Legal Definitions - de corpore comitatus

De corpore comitatus is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "from the body of the county." It refers to something that pertains to or originates from the county as a whole, rather than a specific, smaller locality or neighborhood within that county. It emphasizes the county-wide scope or origin of a matter.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Jury Selection: Imagine a high-profile criminal trial where the court needs to ensure an impartial jury. The judge might issue an order specifying that potential jurors must be drawn de corpore comitatus. This means the jury pool should be selected from all eligible residents throughout the entire county, not just from a particular town or district within it. This ensures a broader representation and minimizes the risk of local biases affecting the jury selection process.

• Administrative Authority: Consider a county health department implementing a new public health initiative, such as a mandatory vaccination program during an epidemic. If the department declares that the program applies de corpore comitatus, it signifies that the mandate is effective across all cities, towns, and unincorporated areas within the county's geographical boundaries. It's not limited to a specific municipality or a particular neighborhood experiencing a localized outbreak, but rather covers the entire jurisdiction of the county.

• Public Works Project: Suppose a county government is planning a major infrastructure project, like upgrading the entire county's wastewater treatment system. The funding for this project might be approved de corpore comitatus. This indicates that the financial resources and the scope of the work are intended to benefit and cover the entirety of the county's population and geographical area, rather than being allocated to improve only a specific town's facilities or a particular rural district.