Legal Definitions - corpus pro corpore

Definition: Corpus pro corpore (kor-puh-s proh kor-puh-ree) is a Latin phrase that means "body for body." In legal terms, it refers to the liability of a surety in a civil action, also known as a mainpernor.

Example: If John is arrested and needs to appear in court, his friend Bob can act as a mainpernor and provide a suretyship undertaking. This means that if John fails to appear in court, Bob will be responsible for his actions and may have to pay a penalty or serve time in jail instead of John. In this case, Bob is offering his body (corpus) as a guarantee for John's appearance in court.

This phrase is commonly used in legal contexts and may be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with legal terminology. However, the example provided illustrates how the phrase is used in practice and helps to clarify its meaning.