The Law Dictionary

Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

CORPUS Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

(Lat.) Body; the body; an aggregate or mass, (of men, laws, or articles;) physical substance, as distinguished from intellectual conception; the principal sum or capital, as distinguished from interest or income. A substantial or positive fact, as distinguished from what is equivocal and ambiguous. The corpus ilclicti (body of an offense) is the fact of its having been actually committed. Best, Pres. 209-279. A corporeal act of any kind, (as distinguished from animus or mere intention.) on the part of him who wishes to acquire a thing, whereby he obtains the physical ability to exercise his power over it whenever he pleases. The word occurs frequently in this sense in the civil law. Mackeld. Rom. Law,

Disclaimer

This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.