Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A pauper is a person who is very poor and may receive help from charities or public funds. They may not have enough money to pay for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. When someone is in forma pauperis, it means they are allowed to disregard filing fees and court costs because they cannot afford them. For example, in some places, an indigent person filing for divorce may have their fees waived.
Definition: A pauper is a person who is extremely poor and may receive aid from charity or public funds. Another word for pauper is indigent.
Example: John lost his job and couldn't find another one. He had no savings and no family to help him. He became a pauper and had to rely on government assistance to survive.
Definition: In forma pauperis is a Latin term that means "in the manner of a pauper." It refers to the legal right of an indigent person to disregard filing fees and court costs when suing.
Example: Mary wanted to file for divorce, but she couldn't afford the filing fees and court costs. She applied to proceed in forma pauperis, and her fees were waived.
Explanation: The examples illustrate how a person can become a pauper and how in forma pauperis can help indigent people access the legal system. They show that being a pauper is a difficult situation that can happen to anyone, and that in forma pauperis is a way to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.