Legal Jargon

1. Word:Locus Standi Origin: Latin word Meaning: a right to appear in a court or before anybody on a given question; a right to be heard. Example: A foreign government which has not been recognized by the UK government has no locus standi in the English courts. 2. Word: Sub judice Origin: Latin word Meaning: before a court of law or a judge; under judicial consideration Example: Often a commissioner had to leave the bench because he was himself aparty to the suit  that was sub judice.

1. Word:Sine qua non Origin: Latin word Meaning: an indispensable and essential action, condition or ingredient. Example: Her presence was the sine qua non of every social event. 2. Word: De novo Origin: Latin word Meaning: “from the beginning”, “afresh”, “anew”, “beginning again”. Example: In a pure meritocracy, everyone must begin de novo.

1. Word: Ratio decidendi Definition: The reason behind or crux of a judicial decision. Use of the Word: The ratio decidendi is “the point in a case that determines the judgment” or “the principle that the case establishes” 2. Word: In pari delicto Definition: When both the parties are equally at fault. Use of the …

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1. Word: Ex post facto Definition: with retrospective action or force Use of the Word: describing a law which is retrospective (it affects past acts as well as future ones) 2. Word: Actus reus Definition: a criminal act Use of the Word: Every crime must be considered in two parts-the physical act of the crime …

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1. Word: sua sponte Definition: upon its own motion, initiation or will; without a prior request Meaning and use of the word: describes an act of authority taken without formal prompting from another party. The term is usually applied to actions by a judge taken without a prior motion or request from the parties. 2. …

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Word: ad quod damnum Meaning: according to the harm Definition and Use: Implies that the reward or penalty ought to correspond to the damage suffered or inflicted. It is generally used in Law of Torts. Word: consuetudo pro lege servatur Meaning: Custom is held as law Definition and Use: Where no laws apply to a …

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Word: Above water Meaning: A company who can stay out of debt and economic trouble. Use of the word: have a better credit rating and the investors see such companies as well off. They will also be rewarded with a higher line of credit. Word: a fortiori Meaning: with even stronger reason Use of the …

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Maxim: Audi alteram partem Origin: Latin phrase Meaning: hear the other side Example:Both the parties should be heard by a judge before arriving into a decision. (i.e. audi alteram partem) Maxim: Nemo debet esse judex in propria causa Origin: Latin phrase Meaning: No man can be a judge in his own cause Example: It applies …

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