in Law, is when a person has just cause of suit, but is so poor that he cannot defray the usual charges of suing at law or in equity; in which case, on making oath that he is not worth 5l. in the world, on all his debts being paid, and producing a certificate from some lawyer that he has good cause of suit, the judge will admit him to sue in forma pauperis; that is, without paying any fee to counsellors, attorneys, or clerk: the statute 11 Hen. VII. c. 12. having enacted, that counsel and attorneys, &c. shall be affixed to such poor persons gratis. Where it appears that any pauper has sold or contracted for the benefit of his suit whilst it is depending in court, such cause shall be thenceforth totally disallowed; and a person suing in forma pauperis shall not have a new trial granted him, but is to acquiesce in the judgment of the court.