Legal Definitions - si paret

Definition: Si paret (sIpar-et) is a Latin phrase that means "if it appears." In Roman law, this phrase was used in the praetor's formula to instruct judges on how to make decisions.

For example, if a plaintiff claimed that they were owed money by a defendant, the judge would use the si paret formula to determine if the claim was valid. The judge would examine the evidence presented by both parties and decide if it appeared that the defendant owed the plaintiff money.

Another example would be in a criminal case, where the judge would use the si paret formula to determine if the defendant was guilty or not guilty. The judge would examine the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense and decide if it appeared that the defendant committed the crime.

These examples illustrate how the si paret formula was used in Roman law to guide judges in making decisions based on the evidence presented in court. The judge would use their judgment to determine if it appeared that the plaintiff's claim was valid or if the defendant was guilty of the crime.