Legal Definitions - simulatio latens

Simulatio latens is a Latin term that means "hidden pretence". It refers to the act of feigning an illness or exaggerating symptoms to gain attention or sympathy. However, the symptoms are not as severe as they are pretended to be.

An example of simulatio latens is when a student pretends to have a headache to avoid taking a test. The student may complain of a headache and ask to go to the nurse, but the symptoms are not severe enough to warrant missing the test.

Another example is when an employee calls in sick to work but is actually just taking a day off. The employee may claim to have a fever and body aches, but in reality, they are not as sick as they are pretending to be.

These examples illustrate how someone can pretend to be sick or have an illness, but the symptoms are not as severe as they are pretending. This behavior is often done to gain attention or sympathy, but it can also have negative consequences, such as missing important events or work.