Legal Definitions - medietas linguae

Definition: Medietas Linguae is a Latin term that means "half-tongue." It was used to describe a jury that was equally divided between native and foreign members.

Example: In a trial involving a foreign defendant, the jury may be composed of both native and foreign members to ensure a fair trial. If the jury is equally divided between the two groups, it is called a medietas linguae.

Explanation: The term medietas linguae was used in historical legal contexts to describe a specific type of jury. The example illustrates how the term was used in practice to ensure a fair trial for defendants who were not native to the country where the trial was taking place.