Legal Definitions - L.L.

L.L. is an abbreviation for Law Latin.

Law Latin refers to the specialized form of the Latin language that has been historically used in legal systems, particularly in countries influenced by English common law. It is distinct from classical Latin and was adapted over centuries to serve the specific needs of legal professionals for precision, authority, and tradition in statutes, court records, legal maxims, and academic degrees. While English is now the primary language of law in many jurisdictions, Law Latin continues to appear in foundational legal principles and terminology.

• Consider the legal principle of res ipsa loquitur. This Latin phrase, meaning "the thing itself speaks," is used in tort law to indicate that the circumstances of an accident are so obvious that negligence can be inferred without further proof. The continued use of this specific Latin term in modern legal arguments, even when the rest of the discussion is in English, is a direct example of Law Latin's enduring presence and its role in conveying precise, established legal concepts.

• Imagine reviewing a historical court judgment from the 18th century in England. Such a document would likely contain numerous phrases and clauses written entirely in Law Latin, detailing the charges, the arguments presented, and the court's decision. For instance, it might refer to a "nisi prius" trial or a "writ of certiorari." These Latin terms were standard for legal accuracy and authority during that era, demonstrating how Law Latin formed the bedrock of legal documentation for centuries.

• Many legal academic degrees use abbreviations derived from Law Latin. For example, a Bachelor of Laws degree is often abbreviated as LL.B., and a Master of Laws as LL.M. In these abbreviations, "LL." stands for Legum, which is the genitive plural of the Latin word lex, meaning "law." The use of the plural "laws" reflects the comprehensive study of different bodies of law. This directly illustrates how Law Latin continues to influence the formal naming conventions within legal education and professional titles.