Latin for Lawyers

INTER PARTES

INTER PARTES [L. inter + pars / side, party] An instrument or document in which two parties join for a common purpose, such as a deed or contract. INTER PRAESENTES Among those who are present. INTERPRET [L. interpres / a negotiator or mediator; also, a messenger (from inter / within + pretium / value or worth)] To explain or give the meaning of. To construe; to clarify the meaning or intent of. To review the terms of a statute or Constitutional provision and to derive and explain to others the meaning intended by their draftsmen. In its opinions, the Supreme Court often interprets the provisions of the U.S. Con stitution for other courts and for the general public. At different points in our history, the Court has given varying interpretations of the same clause. INTERROGATE [L. inter + rogo, rogare / to ask, inquire, question] To question systematically. To examine or propound questions to a witness or prospective witness. Questioning by the police of a suspect in a crime. INTERROGATORIES A pretrial device in which the attorneys for one side frame and propound written questions to be answered by principals and witnesses for the other side. Interrogatories are part of the modern pretrial discovery process. Inter rogatories are subscribed under oath and may be offered to the jury as evi dence. IN TERROREM [L. in + terror / fear, fright] In apprehension, fright or fear. A clause or provision, usually in a lease, deed or will which is intended by the maker of the instrument to induce or coerce someone into not taking some action, as not to contest a will provision. For example, a testator may provide that a gift will be forfeit if the recipient con tests the will. In most jurisdictions, provisions of this kind are unenforceable as against public policy. They are always unenforceable if the action they try to force or induce is illegal or impossible. INTER SE [INTER SESE] [L. among or between themselves] A matter which concerns only the parties involved and no one else; e.g., the relationship between the trustee under a trust instrument and the designated beneficiaries. INTER SE LIABILITY The liability of two or more parties to each other in a legal relationship that concerns only them. For example, the liability of one partner to another with

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