gravamen etymology

Etymology

The word "gravamen" comes from the Latin word "gravare," which means "to weigh down" or "to burden."

Meaning

A gravamen is the essential part or substance of a complaint or accusation. It is the fundamental wrong or injury that is being alleged.

Origin

The legal concept of a gravamen developed in the Roman legal system. In Roman law, a gravamen was the "weight" or "burden" of an obligation or liability. It was the essence of the legal claim being asserted.

Over time, the concept of a gravamen was adopted into common law systems. In common law pleading, a gravamen was required to be stated in the opening part of a complaint. The gravamen identified the nature of the wrong being alleged and provided a foundation for the legal claim being sought.

gravamen relate terms

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