Legal Definitions - rationes

Definition: Rationes (pronounced ray-shee-oh-neez or rash-ee-oh-neez) is a Latin word that means "reasons." In history, it referred to the arguments presented in a legal case.

During a trial, both the plaintiff and the defendant would present their rationes to the judge or jury. These rationes would include evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments to support their case.

For example, if someone was suing their landlord for not fixing a leaky roof, their rationes might include photos of the damage, statements from neighbors who witnessed the leak, and legal precedents that support their right to a safe and habitable living space.

Another example could be a criminal trial, where the prosecution and defense would present their rationes to convince the judge or jury of the defendant's guilt or innocence. The rationes might include witness testimony, forensic evidence, and legal arguments about the interpretation of the law.

These examples illustrate how rationes were used in legal proceedings to present arguments and evidence to support a particular position or outcome.