Forma Pauperis
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
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 counsellor at law, that he believes him to have a just cause, he is permitted to sue tn forma pauperis, in the manner of a pauper; that is, he is allowed to have original writs and subpcenas gratis, and counsel assigned him without fee.
3 Bl. Com. 00.