Ex Post Facto

"After the Fact"

The U.S. Constitution makes it illegal for any act to be a crime if the law was passed after the fact.

A person can't be subject to a greater punishment than existed at the time the crime was committed.

EX:  Saul rode his skateboard on the sidewalk in downtown San Rafael.  Later, the city council passed a law making such acts illegal.  Since Saul did the act when it was legal, he can't be charged with the crime, as that would be ex post facto.

Indigent

Impoverished, lacking financial ability to sustain one's self

An indigent is a person of poverty, without financial means of support.  

In criminal cases an indigent is usually entitled to a free attorney paid for by the government.

EX:  Marilyn was broke, and asked the court to find that she was indigent.  At her initial court hearing, the court found Marilyn was indeed indigent, and appointed the county defender to represent her at no charge.

In Forma Pauperis

"In the Form of a Pauper"

An indigent person is treated as a person without wealth. These people can file pleadings as a pauper without paying court fees or costs.  

Technically, they should state in the pleadings that they are filing as a pauper.

EX:  Since Theo was broke, he filed in forma pauperis, thereby avoiding any filing fees and the requirement that the pleadings be typed.

Inter Alia

"Among Other Things"

Generally used to indicate one part of a larger unit or concept

EX:  Assume the opponent's complaint alleges 50 breaches of a relationship of trust, one of which involves stealing funds.  

Theodore states, "Judge, this complaint alleges inter alias that my client stole money."