Legal Definitions - ita te Deus adjuvet

Definition: Ita te Deus adjuvet (I-tə tee dee-s aj-ə-vet) is a Latin phrase that means "So help you God." It is an old form of administering an oath in England, usually in connection with other words.

Example: Ita te Deus adjuvet, et sacrosancta Dei Evangelia ("So help you God, and God's holy gospels") is an example of how the phrase was used in administering an oath in England.

Explanation: The phrase "Ita te Deus adjuvet" was often used in England as a way to administer an oath. It was usually said along with other words, such as "et sacrosancta Dei Evangelia" or "et omnes sancti." These additional words helped to emphasize the seriousness of the oath and the importance of telling the truth. By saying "So help you God," the person taking the oath was acknowledging that they were making a solemn promise and that they were asking for God's help in keeping that promise.