Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: RESPONDERE NON DEBET
Definition: In common-law pleading, this is a plea made by the defendant stating that they do not have to answer the charges brought against them due to a privilege or other legal reason.
Definition: Respondere non debet is a Latin term used in common-law pleading. It refers to the plea made by a defendant who insists that they do not have to answer a question or accusation because of a privilege or other legal reason.
Example: A defendant in a criminal trial may use the plea of respondere non debet if they are asked a question that would incriminate them. They can refuse to answer the question on the grounds that it would violate their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Explanation: In this example, the defendant is using the plea of respondere non debet to avoid answering a question that could be used against them in court. By invoking their Fifth Amendment right, they are asserting that they have a legal privilege that allows them to refuse to answer the question.