No Special Notation for Latin Legal Terms
The Quotation Mark
Rulebase Summary
Do not use any special notation (quotation marks, italics, or other formatting) for Latin legal terms, as they are considered to be regular English words in legal contexts. Terms like in limine, res judicata, ex parte, pro bono, and habeas corpus need no special treatment.
BGGP Quotes.8 · p.107
Examples
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THE COURT: The motion "in limine" is granted.
✓
THE COURT: The motion in limine is granted.
Latin legal terms are treated as standard English.
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Q. Was the hearing conducted on an "ex parte" basis?
✓
Q. Was the hearing conducted on an ex parte basis?
No special formatting needed for common legal Latin.
Transcript Notes
Court reporters encounter Latin legal terms constantly. These are treated as ordinary English in the legal setting — no quotes, no italics, no underlining.
Style Guide References (1)
BGGP
Quotes.8
Page 107