Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Litera: A litera is a fancy word for a letter of the alphabet. It can also mean the exact words of a law, instead of what the law means. Sometimes people use the phrase "the letter of the law" to talk about following rules exactly as they are written.
Definition: Litera (also spelled littera) is a Latin word that means "letter." It has two historical meanings:
When we use the word "letter" in English, we usually mean a written message that is put in an envelope, sealed, and delivered. This is a different meaning of the word.
Examples:
The first example uses "letter" in its usual sense, to refer to a single character in the alphabet. The second example uses "letter of the law" to mean the exact wording of a law, without considering its intended purpose or spirit.