Similiter - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition similiter

Definition :

Similiter [Lat.] (in like manner). Formerely when an issue of fact was tendered, the words were as follows: 'and of this the defendant puts himself upon the country'; or thus, 'and this the plaintiff prays may be inquired of by the country'; the issue and form of trial wre then both accepted on the other side (unless there appeared grounds for demurrer), by the words following: 'and the plaintiff (or the defendant, as the case may be) doth the like,' which latter words were called the Similiter. After the passing of the C.L.P. Act, 1852, the joinder of issue under s. 79 of that Act superseded the Similiter. See now ISSUE.

The want of a similiter by the prosecutor in criminal cases is cured by the (English) Criminal Law Act, 1826 (7 & 8 Geo. 4, c. 64), s. 20.