"Ratio scripta", or "written reason", was the assessment of Roman law commonly held in Europe during the Medieval period. It emerged during the revival of Roman law, serving as the basis of the ius commune. It was also used to evaluate the validity of leges propria or t…
Ratio scripta in U.S. law
The practical impact of Ratio scripta
Ratio scripta appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.
Ratio scripta — procedural details
In practice, Ratio scripta is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Wikipedia , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.