When reading through legal documents, you may come across the Latin phrase “supra,” which can leave you scratching your head in confusion. What does this word mean, and how can it help you better understand the legal system? By unpacking the meaning of “supra,” you can begin to navigate the maze of intricate laws with more ease.
What Does Supra Mean?
The word “supra” is a Latin term that stands for “above,” or “previously mentioned.” In legal contexts, you may come across this word most often when an argument relies upon a particular source and the source is to be found elsewhere in the document. In this type of instance, instead of disconnecting the argument by providing the whole source verbatim, the writer may simply use the term “supra” instead, eliminating the need to provide the text in full and streamlining the argument.
How Supra Can Help You
Using the word “supra” can greatly help in aiding your understanding of legal arguments. This is because it gives the reader a simple text-based cue that directs them to the correct information, which can greatly simplify the process of reading through dense legal documents. Therefore, if a legal text makes reference to the term “supra,” pay close attention to the full source in question, as it contains key information that aid in understanding the argument as a whole.
By understanding the meaning of the word “supra,” you can navigate the complexities of the legal system more easily and have a better understanding of how lawyers and judges communicate with one another. Knowing “supra” can help you become a better legal advocate in the future.