Legal Definitions - regina

The term Regina is a Latin word meaning "queen." In legal contexts, particularly within monarchies where a queen reigns as the head of state, it carries specific official meanings.

• Official Title: It refers to the formal title or designation of a reigning queen.

  • Example: When Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne, official documents, royal proclamations, or even commemorative coins might bear the inscription "Elizabeth II Regina." Here, "Regina" formally designates her as the reigning monarch and head of state, signifying her sovereign authority.

    Explanation: This usage illustrates "Regina" as the official and formal title used to identify a queen in her capacity as sovereign.

• The Prosecution in Criminal Proceedings: In countries that are constitutional monarchies with a queen as head of state (historically, when a queen was on the throne), criminal cases are brought by the state. The prosecution is formally referred to as "Regina" (often abbreviated as "R.") because the crime is considered an offense against the Crown, represented by the reigning monarch.

  • Example: If an individual were charged with a serious crime, such as fraud, in a country like Canada or the United Kingdom during a queen's reign, the legal case would be formally titled "Regina v. [Defendant's Name]" (or "R. v. [Defendant's Name]").

    Explanation: In this context, "Regina" represents the state's prosecuting authority, emphasizing that the alleged crime is an offense against the public order and the sovereign power of the Crown, which the queen embodies.