in custodia legis
in custodia legis (in k[schwa]-stoh-dee-[schwa] lee-jis). [Latin] In the custody of the law (the debtor’s automobile was in custodia legis after being seized by the sheriff). • The phrase is traditionally used in reference to property taken into the court’s charge during pending litigation over it. — Also termed in legal custody. [Cases: Attachment 64; […]