Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

centration of public power and responsibilty the hands of a few to control the general public. The class of persons who are designated or who function to manage the affairs of the entire populace. Government in the United States functions at two levels — the federal level and the state level. At the federal level, it is divided into the executive, judicial and legislative branches. GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY See IMMUNITY; SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY GRACE [L. gratia / agreeableness, charm, attraction; beloved] A special favor or privilege. A reprieve or exemption from performance of a duty. Indulgence or forgiveness. A grace period is a stated period of days during which a duty or responsibility is suspended without penalty, e.g., a period of time in a loan agreement during which default will not be invoked although the date for payment has passed. GRATIS [L. gratia (gratus) / pleasing, free, without compensation] For nothing; given or performed without expectation or receipt of compensa tion or consideration. GRATIS DICTUM [L. gratia + dico, dicere / to say, speak] A statement which is made freely and without compulsion or obligation. A statement made without purpose or without expectation that it will be relied on. GRATUITOUS [L. gratia, gratuitus / spontaneous, unprovoked, free] Anything not paid for or expected. Given or conveyed without legal consider ation; e.g., a gratuitous promise . A gratuitous guest is one who is extended an amenity or service without paying for it; e.g., a non-paying passenger in a car. GRATUITY [L. gratuitus ] A gift or present. Anything given without consideration or obligation. A vol untary reward. A tip. GRAVAMEN [L. gravis / weighty, important] The essential part of a statement or thought. The material parts of a griev

ance, pleading, complaint, cause of action or indictment. GRIEVANCE [L. gravare / to burden, to weigh upon]

A cause for complaint. A complaint about an injustice or wrong. The formal expression of a complaint. In labor law, a statement by an employee, or by his union representantive, alleging violations of employment terms or conditions by the employer and initiating a procedure for resolving the complaint. Also,

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