Legal Definitions - against the peace and dignity of the state

Definition: Against the peace and dignity of the state is a phrase used in legal indictments to condemn the offending conduct generally, rather than the specific charge of wrongdoing contained in the body of the instrument. It is derived from the Law Latin phrase "contra pacem domini regis" which means "against the peace of the lord the king".

Example: A person is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The indictment may include the phrase "against the peace and dignity of the state" to indicate that the person's actions were not only illegal but also harmful to the well-being of the community.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the phrase "against the peace and dignity of the state" is used to indicate that the accused person's actions were not only illegal but also harmful to the community. The phrase is used to emphasize the seriousness of the offense and to show that it is not just a violation of the law, but also a violation of the values and principles that the state upholds.