Legal Definitions - totidem verbis

Totidem verbis is a Latin phrase meaning "in so many words" or "in the exact same words." When something is stated or reproduced totidem verbis, it means it is an exact, word-for-word repetition or quotation, without any changes, paraphrasing, or omissions.

• Example 1: Quoting a Statute

  Imagine a lawyer arguing a case who needs to refer to a specific part of a law. If the lawyer says, "The statute states totidem verbis, 'No person shall operate a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license,'" they are indicating that they are quoting the law precisely as it is written, word for word, rather than summarizing or interpreting it.

• Example 2: Contractual Agreement

  Consider two businesses negotiating a complex contract. If one party insists that a particular clause from a previous agreement must be included in the new contract totidem verbis, it means they want that specific language to be copied exactly into the new document, ensuring no alteration to its original meaning or phrasing. This ensures consistency and avoids ambiguity that might arise from rephrasing.

• Example 3: Witness Testimony

  During a trial, a prosecutor might ask a witness to repeat exactly what they heard someone say. If the witness responds, "He said totidem verbis, 'I will not be attending the meeting tomorrow,'" they are asserting that they are relaying the speaker's exact words, rather than providing a general summary or their interpretation of what was said. This precision can be crucial for establishing facts in court.