Legal Definitions - mittimus

Definition: A mittimus is a court order or warrant that directs a jailer to keep a person in custody until they are released by another order. It is a Latin term that means "we send."

Examples:

• If a person is arrested and charged with a crime, a judge may issue a mittimus to keep them in jail until their trial.
• A certified transcript of a prisoner's conviction or sentencing proceedings is also called a mittimus.
• A writ directing the transfer of records from one court to another is another type of mittimus.

These examples illustrate how a mittimus is used in the legal system to keep a person in custody or transfer records between courts. It is an important tool for maintaining order and ensuring that justice is served.