Legal Definitions - reus

REUS

Reus is a Latin term used in Roman and civil law. It has several meanings:

1. A defendant in a legal case.
2. A party involved in a lawsuit, whether as a plaintiff or defendant.
3. A party involved in a contract or transaction, especially one who assumes a debt or obligation.
4. In Roman criminal law, an accused or convicted person.

The plural of reus is rei, and the feminine form is rea, with the plural form being reae.

• John was the reus in the lawsuit filed by his former business partner.
• The reus and actor in a legal case have different roles to play.
• When you sign a loan agreement, you become a reus in the transaction.
• In ancient Rome, the reus had the right to defend himself in court.

These examples illustrate how the term reus is used in different legal contexts. It can refer to a defendant in a lawsuit, a party to a contract, or an accused person in a criminal case. Understanding the meaning of reus is important for anyone studying law or working in the legal field.