Legal Definitions - vocare ad curiam

vocare ad curiam

In legal terms, vocare ad curiam is a Latin phrase that means to summon to court. It refers to the formal act by which a court or legal authority orders an individual to appear before it. This command can be for various reasons, such as to provide testimony, respond to a lawsuit, or serve on a jury.

• Example 1: Witness Subpoena
  Imagine a situation where a person witnessed a significant event, like a car accident, and their testimony is crucial for a legal case. The court might issue a document called a subpoena, formally requiring them to appear in court on a specific date and time to give evidence.

  How it illustrates vocare ad curiam: The subpoena is the court's official act of vocare ad curiam, compelling the witness to attend and participate in the legal proceedings.

• Example 2: Defendant's Summons in a Civil Case
  Consider a business owner who is being sued by a former client for an alleged breach of contract. The business owner would receive official legal documents, often called a summons and complaint, informing them of the lawsuit and demanding that they appear in court or file a formal response by a certain deadline.

  How it illustrates vocare ad curiam: The delivery of these documents serves as the court's formal command to the business owner, the defendant, to appear or respond to the legal action, which is a direct application of vocare ad curiam.

• Example 3: Jury Summons
  A citizen who is eligible for jury service might receive a letter from the court instructing them to report for jury duty on a particular day. This letter explains their civic obligation and provides details about where and when they need to appear.

  How it illustrates vocare ad curiam: This jury summons is a clear instance of vocare ad curiam, as it is a formal order from the court requiring the citizen's presence to potentially serve as a juror.