Vi et armis is a Latin phrase meaning "by force and arms" or "by force of arms." It describes an act carried out with physical violence, or the threat of it, typically involving weapons or military might.
Origin
The phrase originates from Latin and has been a part of legal and military terminology for centuries. It combines vi, the ablative form of vis (force, power, strength), and armis, the ablative plural of arma (arms, weapons).
Usage
Legal Context
In common law, "vi et armis" historically denoted that an unlawful act was committed with actual or threatened violence. It was a crucial element in pleadings for actions such as trespass, assault, battery, and riot, signifying that the defendant's actions involved a breach of the King's peace or a direct application of physical force. For example, a complaint might state that the defendant "with force and arms (vi et armis)" committed an act of trespass. While still understood, its explicit use in legal documents has become less common in modern legal systems, often replaced by more explicit descriptions of violence or force.
General Context
Beyond legal use, the phrase can be used more generally to describe any action undertaken through physical coercion, military intervention, or overwhelming force, as opposed to persuasion, negotiation, or legal means. It emphasizes the use of strength or weaponry to achieve an objective.