SCRIBERE EST AGERE
scribere est agere (skrI-b<<schwa>>-ree est aj-<<schwa>>-ree). [Latin] Hist. To write is to
act.
“But now it seems clearly to be agreed, that, by the common law and the statute of Edward
III, words spoken amount only to a high misdemeanor, and no treason. For they may be spoken in
heat, without any intention …. If the words be set down in writing, it argues more deliberate
intention; and it has been held that writing is an overt act of treason; for scribere est agere. But
even in this case the bare words are not the treason, but the deliberate act of writing them.” 4
William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England 80 (1769). [Blacks Law 8th]