Legal Definitions - respondere non debet

Definition: Respondere non debet is a Latin term used in common-law pleading. It refers to the plea made by a defendant who insists that they do not have to answer a question or accusation because of a privilege or other legal reason.

Example: A defendant in a criminal trial may use the plea of respondere non debet if they are asked a question that would incriminate them. They can refuse to answer the question on the grounds that it would violate their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Explanation: In this example, the defendant is using the plea of respondere non debet to avoid answering a question that could be used against them in court. By invoking their Fifth Amendment right, they are asserting that they have a legal privilege that allows them to refuse to answer the question.