Lex

/lɛks/ noun

Definition

A Latin word meaning law, often used in legal phrases like 'lex talionis' (an eye for an eye).

Etymology

From Latin lex meaning law or statute. The word is fundamental to legal terminology and appears in many English legal phrases and compound words borrowed from Latin.

Kelly Says

Legal English is stuffed with Latin phrases like 'lex talionis,' 'pro bono,' and 'habeas corpus' because when English law developed, it was literally written in Latin by educated clergy and nobles, so law became a Latin-English hybrid language.

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