ACTIO VULGARIS Meaning and
Definition
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Actio Vulgaris refers to a Latin legal term that translates to "common action" in English. Within the context of Roman law, Actio Vulgaris referred to a type of legal action or lawsuit that was available to individuals for enforcing their rights or seeking redress for a civil wrong. It was termed "vulgaris" because it was a common and widely used form of action that could be brought by any person in a civil dispute.
Actio Vulgaris was distinct from specific actions created for specific claims, such as actio empti-venditi for actions involving sales contracts or actio tutelae for actions related to guardianship. In contrast, the Actio Vulgaris encompassed a range of general causes of action that did not fall into a specific category but were still actionable under Roman law. It provided a versatile option for individuals to seek compensation for various legal disputes.
The Actio Vulgaris served as a fundamental legal mechanism for individuals seeking justice in Roman law since it offered a flexible way to protect their rights and seek redress. It allowed plaintiffs to initiate legal proceedings against another party by initiating a formal complaint with a Roman magistrate. This type of action facilitated the resolution of a wide array of civil disputes, including issues related to contracts, property, personal injury, and other civil wrongs. The Actio Vulgaris played a vital role in maintaining social order and providing individuals with a means to enforce their rights and seek justice in ancient Rome.
Etymology of ACTIO VULGARIS
The word "Actio Vulgaris" has its origins in Latin.
- "Actio" is derived from the Latin verb "agere", which means "to do", "to act", or "to carry out". It is commonly used to refer to a legal action or a lawsuit.
- "Vulgaris" comes from the Latin adjective "vulgaris", which means "common" or "ordinary". It is used to describe something that is widely known among the general public or the common people.
Therefore, "Actio Vulgaris" can be translated as "a common or ordinary legal action" or "a lawsuit known to the public". This term is often used to distinguish legal actions that are widely recognized or commonly heard of from more specialized or uncommon legal terms.
