Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: IN MERCY
Definition: When a judge has the power to decide how to punish someone. It used to be a phrase that meant the person who lost the case was at the mercy of the court. For example, if someone made a false claim, they would be held in mercy and have to face the punishment decided by the judge.
Definition: At a judge's discretion concerning punishment.
Example: A plaintiff held in mercy for a false claim, for example, was said to be in misericordia pro falso clamore suo.
Explanation: In legal terms, "in mercy" means that the judge has the power to decide the punishment for the guilty party. For instance, if a plaintiff makes a false claim in court, they may be held in mercy, meaning that the judge can decide what punishment they should receive. This phrase is often used in old legal documents and is not commonly used in modern legal language.