How Do You Spell LATAE SENTENTIAE?

Pronunciation: [lˈatiː sɛntˈɛnʃɪˌiː] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the Latin phrase "latae sententiae" may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, it can be easily mastered. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /ˈlæti ˌsɛnˈtɛnti.eɪ/, with the stress falling on the first syllable. "Latae" refers to something being "broad" or "wide", while "sententiae" means "opinion" or "judgment". Together, the phrase roughly translates to "sentence already passed". So if you ever come across this Latin phrase, now you know how to spell and pronounce it correctly!

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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LATAE SENTENTIAE Meaning and Definition

  1. Latae sententiae is a Latin phrase that translates to "sentence passed" or "sentences already passed" in English. It is a term primarily used in canon law, specifically within the Catholic Church.

    In canon law, latae sententiae refers to penalties that are automatically incurred by the individual who commits a specific offense, without the need for a formal judicial process. These penalties are imposed by the mere commission of the offense, as prescribed by the law itself.

    The term latae sententiae is often applied to offenses that are considered grave or serious in the eyes of the Church. These offenses may include crimes such as heresy, apostasy, schism, or desecration of the Eucharist. When an individual commits such offenses, they are deemed to be automatically subject to the prescribed penalty, as stated by the law of the Church.

    The principle of latae sententiae aims to maintain the integrity and discipline of the Church by ensuring that certain actions, which breach the tenets of the faith, carry immediate consequences. It serves as a deterrent against such transgressions and emphasizes the gravity of certain offenses in the eyes of the Church.

    It is worth noting that the application of latae sententiae penalties may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the authority of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction. In some cases, the penalties may be lifted or modified through a process of reconciliation, repentance, or granted exceptions by higher Church authorities.

Etymology of LATAE SENTENTIAE

The phrase "latae sententiae" is Latin in origin. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:

1. "Latae" is the feminine genitive singular form of the Latin adjective "latus", which means "wide" or "broad".

2. "Sententiae" is the genitive plural form of the noun "sententia", which means "opinion", "judgment", or "sentence".

When combined, "latae sententiae" roughly translates to "wide sentence" or "sentence already passed". In legal and religious contexts, it refers to penalties or punishments that are automatically imposed without requiring a formal declaration or judgment from an authority.