from
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906)
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.
from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
FORMA PAUPERIS, English law. When a person is so poor that he cannot bear
the charges of suing at law or in equity, upon making oath that he is not
worth five pounds, and bringing a certificate from a counselor at law, that
he believes him to have a just cause, he is permitted to sue in forma
pauperis, in the manner of a pauper; that is, he is allowed to have original
writs and subpoenas gratis, and counsel assigned him without fee. 3 Bl. Com.
400. See 3 John. Ch. R. 65; 1 Paige, R. 588; 3 Paige, R. 273; 5 Paige, R.
58; 2 Moll. R. 475; 1 Beat. R. 54.