The Devil's Dictionary: Forma Pauperis

Updated May 14, 2020 | Infoplease Staff
by Ambrose Bierce
FORK
FRANKALMOIGNE

FORMA PAUPERIS

-[Latin]

In the character of a poor person - a method by which a litigant without money for lawyers is considerately permitted to lose his case.

When Adam long ago in Cupid's awful court
(For Cupid ruled ere Adam was invented)
Sued for Eve's favor, says an ancient law report,
He stood and pleaded unhabilimented.
"You sue in forma pauperis I see," Eve cried;
"Actions can't here be that way prosecuted."
So all poor Adam's motions coldly were denied:
He went away — as he had come — nonsuited.

-G.J.

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