Legal Definitions - alia enormia

Alia enormia is a historical legal term derived from Latin, meaning "other serious wrongs." In the context of common law, it referred to a general allegation included in a plaintiff's initial pleading, known as a "declaration," specifically in lawsuits for trespass.

Historically, when someone brought a trespass action (which could involve unlawful entry onto land, interference with goods, or direct harm to a person), they would detail the specific injuries and damages they had suffered. However, it was recognized that some harms might be difficult to itemize precisely, might not be fully apparent at the time of filing the lawsuit, or might be less tangible but still a direct consequence of the trespass. To ensure that the plaintiff could seek compensation for these additional, unspecified injuries, a general clause of alia enormia would be added at the end of the declaration. This allowed the court to consider a broader range of damages that directly resulted from the trespass, even if they weren't individually listed in detail.

Here are some examples illustrating how alia enormia would have applied:

• Example 1: Trespass to Land and Personal Distress

  Imagine a situation where a person unlawfully enters another's private garden, not only trampling flowers but also causing significant emotional distress to the homeowner, who feels their privacy has been deeply violated and now fears for their security. The homeowner would specifically claim damages for the ruined flowers. However, the profound emotional distress, the loss of peace of mind, and the cost of installing new security measures (which might not have been immediately decided upon when filing the suit) are "other serious wrongs" that directly stem from the trespass. The inclusion of alia enormia would allow the court to consider these less tangible but significant harms when determining compensation.

• Example 2: Trespass to Goods and Consequential Loss

  Consider a scenario where a valuable antique vase is unlawfully taken from a collector's home. While the vase is eventually recovered, it was handled carelessly during the theft, resulting in hairline cracks that are not immediately visible but require expensive, specialized restoration. Additionally, the collector missed a crucial exhibition where the vase was to be displayed, leading to a loss of reputation and potential sales. The collector would specifically claim the cost of the vase's restoration. However, the loss of reputation, the missed business opportunities, and the emotional anguish of seeing a cherished item damaged are "other serious wrongs" that are direct consequences of the trespass. Alia enormia would provide a legal avenue to seek compensation for these broader impacts.

• Example 3: Trespass to Person and Unforeseen Medical Costs

  Suppose an individual is unlawfully assaulted, suffering a broken arm. At the time of filing the lawsuit, they claim medical expenses for the initial treatment and lost wages. However, weeks later, complications arise from the injury, requiring additional surgeries, extensive physical therapy, and ongoing pain management that were not anticipated. These unforeseen medical costs, the prolonged suffering, and the long-term impact on their ability to perform daily tasks are "other serious wrongs" directly resulting from the assault. Alia enormia would have allowed the plaintiff to seek compensation for these evolving and additional harms, even if they couldn't be fully detailed in the initial declaration.