LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
A quick definition of coram nobis:
Term: CORAM NOBIS
Definition: Coram nobis is a legal term that means "before us" in Latin. It refers to a legal process where a court can correct a mistake in a previous judgment that was made due to a fundamental error or injustice. This process is used to correct errors that were not known at the time of the original judgment and could not have been corrected through an appeal. Coram nobis is a way to ensure that justice is served and that individuals are not unfairly punished due to errors in the legal system.
A more thorough explanation:
Term: CORAM NOBIS
Definition: Coram nobis is a legal term that means "before us" in Latin. It is a legal procedure that allows a court to correct a previous judgment that was made in error. This can happen if new evidence is discovered or if there was a mistake made during the original trial that affected the outcome. Coram nobis is used to correct errors that cannot be corrected through other legal procedures, such as an appeal.
Example: A man was convicted of a crime and sentenced to 10 years in prison. After the trial, it was discovered that the
prosecution had withheld important evidence that could have changed the outcome of the trial. The man's lawyer filed a coram nobis petition to have the conviction overturned and a
new trial ordered.
Explanation: In this example, the coram nobis petition was filed because new evidence was discovered that could have changed the outcome of the trial. The court used the coram nobis procedure to correct the error that was made during the original trial. This allowed the man to have a new trial and a chance to prove his innocence.
coram judice |
coram non judice