Legal Definitions - levato velo

Definition: Levato Velo is a Latin term that means "with the curtain raised." It was a principle in Roman law that cases should be heard in public, especially in cases of wreck and salvage, and later in all maritime matters. This means that court proceedings should be open to the public.

Example: In ancient Rome, when a case was heard in court, a sail was spread before the door. When the cases were heard, the sail was raised, allowing the proceedings to be open to the public. This is an example of Levato Velo, where the public was allowed to witness the court proceedings.