Legal Definitions - cepi

Definition: Cepi (see-pI) is a Latin term that means "I have taken." It was commonly used in a capias return by an arresting sheriff, indicating that they have taken the defendant into custody.

Example: "Cepi corpus et est in custodia" means "I have taken the defendant and he is in custody."

This notation was used by the sheriff to indicate that they have arrested the defendant and have them in custody until the return-day when they will be produced in court.

Example: "Cepi corpus et bail" means "I have arrested and then released the defendant on a bail bond."

This notation in a sheriff's return indicated that the defendant was released on bail after being arrested.

Example: "Cepi corpus et committitur" means "I have arrested and committed the defendant to prison."

This notation in a sheriff's return indicated that the defendant was arrested and committed to prison.

Example: "Cepi corpus et est languidus" means "I have arrested the defendant and he is sick."

This notation in a sheriff's return indicated that the defendant was too sick to be moved safely from the place of arrest.

Example: "Cepi corpus et paratum habeo" means "I have made an arrest and am ready to produce the defendant."

This notation in a sheriff's return indicated that the sheriff has made an arrest and is ready to produce the defendant in court.