Legal Definitions - vis licita

VIS LICITA

Vis licita is a Latin term that means lawful force. It refers to the use of force that is permitted by law.

• A police officer using force to arrest a suspect who is resisting arrest is an example of vis licita.
• A security guard using force to prevent a trespasser from entering a private property is also an example of vis licita.

These examples illustrate the definition of vis licita because in both cases, the use of force is allowed by law. The police officer and the security guard are authorized to use force in certain situations to protect themselves or others, or to enforce the law.