non liquet

[ non lahy-kwit ]

adjective

, Law.

1. (of evidence, a cause, etc.) not clear or evident.

non liquet

/ ˈnɒn ˈlaɪkwɪt /

adjective

1. Roman law (of a cause, evidence, etc) not clear

Word History and Origins

Origin of non liquet¹

First recorded in 1650–60, non liquet is from Latin nōn liquet “it is not clear”

Word History and Origins

Origin of non liquet¹

C17: Latin, literally: it is not clear

Example Sentences

New Jersey. n.l., non licet=It is not permitted; non liquet=It is not clear; non longe=Not far.

From Project Gutenberg

The more cautious Dr. Driver will not commit himself further than "a verdict of non liquet"; that is to say, there is no proof that David did not write one or two of the Psalms, and no evidence that he did.

From Project Gutenberg

Were it expressed in words, it would simply amount to a verdict of "non liquet."

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding the general inclination towards Greek, this must at present be left in doubt, and a verdict of 'non liquet' given.

From Project Gutenberg

I think it would be much more reasonable to restore the verdict of ``not proven,'' which the Romans admitted under the form of ``non liquet,'' as an alternative to ``absolvo'' and ``condemno,'' and which may be delivered by juries in Scotland.

From Project Gutenberg