Legal Definitions - pauper

Definition: A pauper is a person who is extremely poor and may receive aid from charity or public funds. Another word for pauper is indigent.

Example: John lost his job and couldn't find another one. He had no savings and no family to help him. He became a pauper and had to rely on government assistance to survive.

Definition: In forma pauperis is a Latin term that means "in the manner of a pauper." It refers to the legal right of an indigent person to disregard filing fees and court costs when suing.

Example: Mary wanted to file for divorce, but she couldn't afford the filing fees and court costs. She applied to proceed in forma pauperis, and her fees were waived.

Explanation: The examples illustrate how a person can become a pauper and how in forma pauperis can help indigent people access the legal system. They show that being a pauper is a difficult situation that can happen to anyone, and that in forma pauperis is a way to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.