The term "mittimus," which refers to a written order issued by a court to transfer a prisoner into custody, has a unique spelling that may be difficult to decipher. The word is pronounced /mɪˈtaɪ.məs/, with the first syllable being pronounced as "mi" and the second as "tai." The last syllable is pronounced as "muss." Interestingly, the word has Latin roots and is derived from the phrase "mittimus ad custodiam," which means "we send [them] to custody." Despite its unusual spelling and origin, the term is commonly used in legal contexts today.
Mittimus is a term derived from Latin, meaning "we send." It is primarily used in legal and judicial contexts to refer to a written document or a formal order issued by a court, which commands the transfer of a person to a prison or a correctional institution. The mittimus is typically directed to the appropriate officials, such as a sheriff or a prison warden, specifying the individual's name and the reasons for their confinement.
In many legal systems, a mittimus serves as a crucial legal instrument to authorize the authorities to detain and incarcerate individuals who have been found guilty of committing a crime. It is often issued following a trial or a sentencing hearing, once the court has made a judgment or a verdict.
The mittimus usually contains essential details, including the name of the person being sent to prison, the date of the order, the period of incarceration, and any additional conditions or instructions for the confinement. It may also provide information on the charges and the sentence imposed by the court.
Furthermore, the mittimus document is often presented to the person being imprisoned, ensuring they are aware of the legal basis for their confinement and the designated facility where they will serve their sentence.
In law, a warrant of commitment to prison, given by a magistrate; a writ for removing records from one court to another.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Mittimus" has Latin origins and comes from the verb "mittere", which means "to send" or "to let go". In English, "Mittimus" refers to a written warrant issued by a judge or magistrate, commanding the imprisonment of a person. It is derived from the Latin phrase "mittimus vobis", which translates to "we send to you". It was traditionally used at the beginning of a warrant to state that the person named in the document should be detained or sent to a specific place.