Legal Definitions - inventus

Inventus is a Latin term that translates to "found" or "discovered." In legal contexts, it refers to something that has been located, identified, or brought to light, often as the result of a search, investigation, or unexpected discovery.

• Example 1: Discovery of Evidence

  During a police investigation into a suspected arson, a specific type of accelerant residue was inventus on fragments of debris collected from the fire scene. This finding provided critical evidence linking a suspect to the crime.

  Explanation: Here, inventus signifies that the accelerant residue was "found" or "discovered" by investigators, making it a key piece of evidence in the legal proceedings.

• Example 2: Locating a Missing Document

  In a complex inheritance dispute, a previously unknown will was unexpectedly inventus in a forgotten safe deposit box belonging to the deceased. This discovery significantly altered the distribution of the estate.

  Explanation: The term applies because the will, a crucial legal document, was "found" after being lost or unknown, directly impacting the legal resolution of the estate.

• Example 3: Identifying a Key Witness

  After an extensive search by private investigators, a crucial eyewitness to a traffic accident, whose identity was initially unknown, was finally inventus living in a neighboring town. Their testimony proved vital for the civil lawsuit.

  Explanation: This illustrates inventus in the context of a person being "found" or successfully located, which is often necessary for legal proceedings such as serving subpoenas or obtaining testimony.