METUS PERJURII

metus perjurii (mee-t<<schwa>>s p<<schwa>>r-juur-ee-I). [Law Latin] Scots law. The fear

of perjury.

“On this ground the evidence of the parties to a cause, and that of their relatives, was formerly excluded. It was feared that their own, or their relatives’, interest in the result of the cause might lead them to give false evidence, in order to bring about a favourable decision. This, however, is no longer law. The desire to obtain all the light possible on the facts in dispute, has overcome the metus perjurii.” John Trayner, Trayner’s Latin Maxims 353–54 (4th ed. 1894).

[Blacks Law 8th]