Legal Definitions - amittere legem terrae

Amitterre legem terrae is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "to lose the law of the land." Historically, this term referred to a severe legal consequence where an individual was deprived of their fundamental legal rights and standing within the justice system. It meant losing the ability to fully participate in legal processes, such as testifying in court, serving on a jury, or even bringing a lawsuit. Essentially, it signified being stripped of the protections and privileges normally afforded by the law.

Here are some examples illustrating this concept:

• Example 1: Perjury in Court

  Imagine a witness in a high-stakes civil trial who is proven to have intentionally lied under oath about critical facts. A court might not only hold this individual accountable for perjury but could also rule that their testimony is no longer credible in any future legal proceedings. This effectively means they have "lost the law of the land" concerning their ability to be a trustworthy participant in the justice system, severely impacting their standing and the weight given to any future statements they might make in court.

• Example 2: Vexatious Litigation

  Consider an individual who repeatedly files numerous lawsuits that are clearly without merit, are frivolous, or are intended solely to harass others. After multiple warnings and sanctions, a court might declare this person a "vexatious litigant." This designation means they have "lost the law of the land" in terms of their unrestricted access to the courts. They would then be required to seek special permission from a judge before filing any new lawsuits, significantly restricting their ability to use the legal system as a tool for harassment.

• Example 3: Deliberate Non-Compliance with Court Orders

  Suppose a corporation is involved in a complex lawsuit and is repeatedly ordered by the court to produce specific documents relevant to the case. Despite clear directives and warnings, the company deliberately refuses to comply for an extended period. The court, as a sanction, might strike the company's defenses or even dismiss its claims entirely. In this scenario, the corporation would "lose the law of the land" regarding its ability to fully participate in that specific legal action, as its persistent non-compliance has forfeited its right to be heard on the merits of its case.