Dictionary.net

When the act complained of is prohibited by a statute. these technical words must be used in an indictment under it. The Latin phrase is contra formam statuti. State v. Murphy. 15 R. I. 543. 10 Atl. 585.

When a statute prohibits a thing to be done, and an action is brought for the breach of the statute, the declaration or indictment must conclude against the form of the statute. See Contra formam statuti.