Legal Definitions - novus homo

Definition: Novus homo is a Latin term that means "new man." In history, it refers to a person who has been pardoned for a crime.

Example: During the Roman Republic, a novus homo was a person who was the first in their family to be elected to a high political office. They were considered "new men" because they did not come from a long line of aristocrats.

Explanation: The term novus homo was used in ancient Rome to describe someone who was not born into a wealthy or powerful family but managed to rise to a position of influence through their own merit. In this context, the term referred to a person who had been pardoned for a crime and given a second chance to prove themselves. The example illustrates how the term was used in a different historical context to describe a person who achieved success despite their humble origins.