Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

INCRIMINATE [L. in + criminor, criminari / to bring a charge, to accuse] To accuse of a crime or to acknowledge commission of a crime. To offer or give proof of the commission of a crime. IN CUJUS REI TESTIMONIUM In witness whereof. At the foot of a document, the words initiating the acknowledgment of execution by the parties. See IN TESTIMONIUM INCULPATE, INCULPATORY [L. in / in + culpo, culpare / blame, find fault with, accuse] To blame or accuse of a crime. In the law of evidence, inculpatory evidence is evidence which tends to prove guilt or to incriminate. INCUMBENT [L. in + cumbere (cubare) / to lie down, to go to bed] The present holder of an office or title. One who is legally delegated to dis charge the duties of a particular office. INCUR [L. in + curro, currere / to run or rush] To be the recipient or victim of, as to incur the wrath of another. To become liable for or subject to. To bring upon oneself, as to incur expenses or liabili ties. IN CURIA In court. IN CUSTODIA LEGIS [L. in + custodia / care, custody + lex, legis / law] Under the control of the law. Used when property is held or attached by a court officer, e.g., a sheriff, pending the outcome of an action or proceeding. IN CUSTODY A person accused of crime is in custody when the police either restrain his movements or advise him that he is not free to go. At that point, he is entitled to his Miranda rights. INDEBITATUS ASSUMPSIT [L. being indebted, he undertook] To undertake a debt; to agree to become indebted. At common law, this was the name given to the action by a creditor to collect a debt which the debtor had agreed, but failed, to pay. See NUMQUAM INDEBITATUS INDEFEASIBLE [L. in + de + facere / to make or do] Not capable of being undone or nullified. A right which cannot be voided or taken away; e.g., an irrevocable interest in property or an estate.

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