Legal Definitions - paratus est verificare

The Latin legal phrase paratus est verificare translates to "he is ready to verify." Historically, this phrase was used in legal documents, particularly at the conclusion of a "verified pleading." A verified pleading was a formal statement submitted to a court where the party making the statements swore under oath or affirmation that the facts presented were true. By including paratus est verificare, the party was formally declaring their readiness and willingness to prove the truthfulness of their assertions.

While the specific Latin phrase is no longer commonly used in modern legal practice, the underlying principle of a party being "ready to verify" the truth of their statements remains fundamental to the legal system. Modern procedures achieve the same goal through sworn declarations, affidavits, and testimony under oath.

• Example 1: Filing a Lawsuit with a Verified Complaint

  Imagine a plaintiff filing a lawsuit against a contractor for shoddy work. In some jurisdictions, the plaintiff might be required to submit a "verified complaint." This means that at the end of the complaint, the plaintiff signs a declaration stating, "I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct." This modern declaration serves the same purpose as paratus est verificare – it signifies that the plaintiff is ready to stand by the truth of their allegations and is prepared to verify them with evidence if challenged in court.

• Example 2: Submitting an Affidavit in Support of a Motion

  Consider a situation where a party in a divorce case needs to present facts to the court to support a request for temporary custody. They might prepare an affidavit, which is a written statement sworn to be true before a notary public. By signing this affidavit, the party is essentially declaring their paratus est verificare – they are ready to verify the accuracy of the facts presented in their statement, understanding the legal consequences of making false declarations to the court.

• Example 3: Responding to Discovery Requests

  During the discovery phase of a civil lawsuit, one party might send "interrogatories" (written questions) to the opposing side. When the recipient provides their answers, they must typically sign them under oath or affirmation, often stating that the answers are true and complete to the best of their knowledge. This act of signing under oath demonstrates their paratus est verificare – their readiness to verify the accuracy and completeness of their responses to the questions posed by the other party, acknowledging the legal obligation to provide truthful information.