Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: manus mortua
Term: Fly for it
Definition: To run away after doing something wrong. Long ago, when someone was accused of a crime, the jury would ask if the person "flew for it." This meant they wanted to know if the person ran away from the law. If they did, they would lose their things, even if they were found not guilty. Fly for it is an old way of saying "run away."
Definition: To flee after allegedly committing a crime.
Example: After robbing the bank, the suspect decided to fly for it and left the country.
Explanation: The term "fly for it" refers to the act of fleeing from justice after committing a crime. In the past, juries would ask if the defendant had "flown for it" to determine if they had fled from justice. If the defendant had fled, they would forfeit their personal property, even if found not guilty of the crime. The example illustrates how a suspect may choose to flee the country to avoid being caught and facing the consequences of their actions.