Legal Definitions - sigla

Sigla refers to various abbreviations, symbols, or signs used in written communication, particularly within legal texts or historical documents, to represent words, phrases, or concepts concisely. They serve to condense information and facilitate quicker reference.

• Historical Legal Manuscripts and Statutes: In ancient Roman legal texts or medieval statutes, scribes and scholars often used specific sigla. For instance, "D." might stand for the Digesta (a compilation of Roman law), "C." for the Codex (another legal compilation), or "§" for a section of a statute. These are sigla because they are distinct signs or abbreviations that represent larger legal works or structural elements within a legal document, allowing for brevity and standardized reference.

• Modern Legal Citations and Case Law: Contemporary legal writing frequently employs sigla, especially in citations. When a lawyer cites a case as "Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954)," the "v." is a siglum representing "versus," and "U.S." is a siglum for "United States Reports," the official publication containing Supreme Court decisions. Similarly, "id." (for idem, meaning "the same") or "supra" (meaning "above") are sigla used to refer to previously cited sources without repeating full details. These abbreviations and symbols are crucial for efficient and standardized legal referencing.