Legal Definitions - vi et armis

Definition: Vi et armis (vI et ahr-mis) is a Latin term used in history to describe actions taken by force and arms. It was commonly used in indictments for offenses that involved violence or disturbance of the peace. However, it was not necessary for offenses that involved cheating, non-feazance, or consequential injury.

Example: If someone breaks into a house and steals something, they have committed a crime vi et armis because they used force to enter the house and take the item. However, if someone cheats on their taxes, they have not committed a crime vi et armis because there was no use of force or violence.

The examples illustrate the definition by showing how the term is used to describe actions that involve force and violence. In the first example, the person used force to enter the house and take the item, which is a clear example of vi et armis. In the second example, there was no use of force or violence, so the term does not apply.