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Glite Dictionary
capias

capias

1 9.9
An order from a court telling police to arrest someone who does not appear in court
  • noun
  • /ˈkeɪpiəs/
  • Formal
: cápsula
  • The judge issued a capias for the defendant's arrest.

Examples

  • A police officer served the capias to bring the defendant into custody.

  • The court issued a capias after the witness failed to attend the hearing.

  • If the accused does not appear, a capias may be ordered by the judge.

  • After missing the court date, a capias was filed against him.

  • The judge issued a capias after the defendant failed to appear for trial.

  • A police officer delivered a capias to ensure the accused was brought before the court.

  • If the summons is ignored, the court may issue a capias for the individual's arrest.

Synonyms

bench warrant
vscapias
  • Formal
6 8.1

An order from a judge that allows police to arrest someone and bring them to court

is issued specifically when someone fails to appear and orders their arrest

Surface Forms

capias singular
capiases plural

Etymology

The word capias comes from the old Latin verb capere, which means 'to take'. So a capias is an order to 'take' or arrest someone who did not go to court.