Definition

A legal document that orders a person to be taken into custody or committed to prison.

Example

The judge issued a mittimus to ensure the defendant was taken into custody immediately.

Conversation

Did you hear about the mittimus issued for that guy in our neighborhood?

Yeah, it's crazy how quickly things can escalate like that.

I know, right? I hope he gets a fair chance to explain himself.

Me too, but it seems like the judge has made up their mind already.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mittimus is derived from the Latin "mittere" (meaning to send) and the suffix "-us" which is often used in Latin to form nouns. The term "mittimus" refers to a written order to send someone to prison or to send a person to a court.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sending' someone ('mittere') as a written order — that's what a mittimus does.

Visually Confused Words