Legal Definitions - rectus in curia

Rectus in curia (rek-təs in kyoor-ee-ə), adjective. This Latin term means "right in the court." It refers to a person who is free from charge or offense and is competent to appear in court. Such a person is entitled to the benefit of law. See legalis homo.

Legalis homo (lə-gay-lis hoh-moh), noun. This Latin term means "lawful man." It refers to a person who has full legal capacity and full legal rights. Such a person has not been deprived of any rights in court by outlawry, excommunication, or infamy. A legalis homo was said to stand rectus in curia ("right in court"). A lawful man was able to serve as a juror and to swear an oath. Also termed legal man, lawful man, lageman, liber et legalis homo. See rectus in curia. Pl. legales homines (lə-gay-leez hom-ə-neez).

Example 1: John was accused of stealing a car. However, he was found not guilty in court. Therefore, he is rectus in curia.

Example 2: Mary is a citizen of the United States. She has not committed any crimes and has not been excommunicated. Therefore, she is a legalis homo and is entitled to all legal rights and protections.

These examples illustrate the definition of rectus in curia and legalis homo. In example 1, John was found not guilty in court, so he is free from any charges or offenses. He is therefore rectus in curia. In example 2, Mary has not committed any crimes and has not been excommunicated. She is therefore a legalis homo and is entitled to all legal rights and protections.