Law French refers to an Anglo-Norman dialect of French used in the English courts during the Middle Ages and pre-modern period. Law French saw heavy use for several centuries, until it was gradually replaced by English. Today it survives only in limited phrases or legal terms.
Law French became the language of the English legal system sometime during the Angevin period, when it replaced Latin and English as the default language in royal courts. From the outset, Law French was used only by those in the legal profession. It is characterized by words with highly technical and specialized meanings that differ significantly from their meanings in spoken French.
As spoken French declined drastically in England during the 14th century, Parliament passed the Pleading in English Act 1362, which replaced Law French with the English in all spoken court proceedings. Law French continued to be used as a written language by court reporters, in the education of lawyers, and in treatises. It was not fully phased out of the legal system in the 1730s.
Many modern legal terms have their origins in Law French. For example:
- Chattel
- Defendant
- Escrow
- Estoppel
- Heir
- Jury
- Larceny
- Trespass
- Verdict
- Voir dire
[Last updated in June of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]