Final answer:
The Latin term 'res gestae' means "things done" and is used in legal contexts to refer to events directly related to a case. It highlights the importance of understanding Latin in ancient legal proceedings. The term reflects the enduring influence of Roman law in contemporary Western legal systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term res gestae is indeed Latin for "things done." In a legal context, res gestae refers to events, words, or actions that are so closely connected to a crime or civil incident that they are considered part of the incident itself, and thus can be admitted as evidence in a court. This Latin phrase is still used today to describe statements or events which are not considered hearsay because they are deemed to have occurred spontaneously and contemporaneously with the incident in question.
Understanding the term res gestae can be essential in deciphering historical legal documents or in the study of legal history where Latin was extensively employed. Many legal phrases and principles in Western jurisprudence are derived from Latin, reflecting the influence of Roman law. In forensic debates and courtroom procedures, the arguments would often have to be constructed in Latin, particularly in ancient times, which served as an indicator of legal fluency.
Considering the historical account of Romans engaging in legal and political proceedings, where individuals like Roman orator Cicero would make their case, the accurate comprehension and use of terms like res gestae would have been crucial. This underlines the intertwined nature of language skills and legal expertise in classical antiquity.