Legal Definitions - sanctio

Definition: Sanctio (sangk-shee-oh) is a Latin term used in Roman law. It refers to a specific clause in a statute that imposes a penalty on anyone who violates that statute. The plural form of sanctio is sanctiones (sangk-shee-oh-neez).

Example: A sanctio clause in a traffic law may state that anyone caught driving under the influence of alcohol will face a fine of $500 and a suspension of their driver's license for six months.

Explanation: In this example, the sanctio clause is a penalty that is imposed on anyone who violates the traffic law by driving under the influence of alcohol. The purpose of the sanctio clause is to strengthen the efficacy of the law by deterring people from breaking it. The penalty serves as a warning to potential violators that they will face consequences if they break the law.

Another example of a sanctio clause is in a contract between two parties. The clause may state that if one party breaches the contract, they will be required to pay a certain amount of money as a penalty.

Explanation: In this example, the sanctio clause is a penalty that is imposed on the party who breaches the contract. The purpose of the sanctio clause is to ensure that both parties fulfill their obligations under the contract. The penalty serves as a deterrent to the party who may be considering breaching the contract.

Overall, a sanctio clause is an important part of a statute or contract as it helps to ensure that the law or agreement is followed and respected.