Vi et armis
“By force and arms.”
Legal phrase
What does “Vi et armis” mean?
Vi et armis translates as “By force and arms.”
In old common law, a wrong done with direct force, such as trespass. More broadly, getting something by force rather than consent.
The story behind it
The phrase was a standard formula in English common-law pleadings for trespass committed with force.
How to use “Vi et armis”
A precise phrase for a legal history essay or a tort law class.
- Latin
- Vi et armis
- English
- By force and arms.
- Source
- Legal phrase
- Era
- Legal Latin
- Theme
- Law
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