illicitas

Illicitas is a term occasionally used in neo-Latin, linguistic analysis, and certain theoretical writings to denote the quality or state of being illicit, i.e., forbidden by law or by convention. It is not a standard term in modern jurisprudence or mainstream philosophy, but rather a neologism employed to discuss the concept of prohibition in a more abstract or stylized way.

Etymology: The form illicitas derives from Latin roots associated with illicitus and illicitās, adapted in modern usage as a noun referring to illicitness. In classical Latin, illicitus means forbidden or unlawful, but illicitas as a standalone noun is better described as a neologistic extension rather than an attested classical term.

Usage: In academic contexts, illicitas may appear in discussions of legality, morality, and social norms to emphasize the opposition between permissible and prohibited acts. It is often used as a thematic label rather than as a legal category; its interpretation can vary by author, ranging from a purely legal illicitness to a broader moral or social disapproval.

In fiction and art: Some writers adopt illicitas as a stylistic device or fictional category, giving it in world-building or lore a formal attribute or significance.

See also: illicit, illegality, illicitness, illicitus, illicitās, Latin lexica.

References: For further background, consult standard Latin dictionaries and ethical theory discussions on illicitness, as well as contemporary neo-Latin jargon resources.