Court Reporter Practice Exam

What does the phrase 'mea culpa' mean?

1. My fault

2. My responsibility

3. My honesty

4. My decision

The correct answer is: My fault

The phrase 'mea culpa' originates from Latin, where it directly translates to 'my fault.' It is often used to acknowledge one's own error or responsibility in a situation. In contexts where someone admits to making a mistake or assumes blame, saying 'mea culpa' conveys a sense of personal accountability. While 'my responsibility' may seem similar, it does not carry the same nuance of admission of guilt or recognition of a particular fault, which is central to the meaning of 'mea culpa.' Therefore, the choice of 'my fault' captures the specific connotation that the phrase conveys.