Modo Et Forma

Modo et forma (in manner and form), a phrase formerly used in pleading. It was the nature of a traverse to deny the matter of fact in the adverse pleading in the manner and form in which it was alleged, and, therefore, to put the opposite party to prove it to be true in manner and form as well as in general effect. The plea of non est factum, and the replication de injuria (now abolished), were the only negative traverses not pleaded modo et forma. These words were in no case strictly essential, so as to render their omission a cause of demurrer. See now PLEADING.