Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: vetus jus
CEPI: A Latin term used in legal documents to indicate that someone has been arrested and taken into custody. It was often used by sheriffs in capias returns to show that they had taken the defendant and were holding them until their court date. Other variations of the term include cepi corpus et bail, which means the defendant was arrested and then released on bail, and cepi corpus et committitur, which means the defendant was arrested and committed to prison.
Definition: Cepi (see-pI) is a Latin term that means "I have taken." It was commonly used in a capias return by an arresting sheriff, indicating that they have taken the defendant into custody.
Example: "Cepi corpus et est in custodia" means "I have taken the defendant and he is in custody."
This notation was used by the sheriff to indicate that they have arrested the defendant and have them in custody until the return-day when they will be produced in court.
Example: "Cepi corpus et bail" means "I have arrested and then released the defendant on a bail bond."
This notation in a sheriff's return indicated that the defendant was released on bail after being arrested.
Example: "Cepi corpus et committitur" means "I have arrested and committed the defendant to prison."
This notation in a sheriff's return indicated that the defendant was arrested and committed to prison.
Example: "Cepi corpus et est languidus" means "I have arrested the defendant and he is sick."
This notation in a sheriff's return indicated that the defendant was too sick to be moved safely from the place of arrest.
Example: "Cepi corpus et paratum habeo" means "I have made an arrest and am ready to produce the defendant."
This notation in a sheriff's return indicated that the sheriff has made an arrest and is ready to produce the defendant in court.