in forma pauperis

[in fawr-muh paw-puh-ris]

adjective

Law.

1. without liability for court costs and court fees.

   permission to sue in forma pauperis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of in forma pauperis¹

1585–95; < Latin: as a pauper

Example Sentences

He included a request to file the complaint “in forma pauperis,” meaning he is unable to pay the filing fees.

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In 2020, Wooden appealed to the Supreme Court in forma pauperis, meaning he did not have to pay the regular fees because he is indigent.

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Although they may be possessed of ample means litigants often obtain from the court permission to sue a foreigner in forma pauperis.

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Up to now the procedure in forma pauperis has not been of practical benefit to the poor except in enabling an occasional important appeal to reach the House of Lords.

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This man could not have proceeded in forma pauperis, as by our then system this was not open to anyone with more than thirty shillings a week with no means above twenty-five pounds and clothing.

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