Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

JUSTICE [L. iustus / just, equitable, fair] The Administration of Law and the courts. The fair, impartial and equitable resolution of disputes between parties. Administration of the courts and of particular litigation in an even-handed and just way. Also, a judge, especially a judge of a federal or state appellate court. JUSTICIABLE A controversy appropriate for determination by a court. An issue ready for trial or disposition by a court or tribunal. A controversy arising from a set of facts which can be reasonably disposed of in a trial. A real and substantial legal question which is ripe for decision, as distinguished from a question which is hypothetical, moot or abstract. JUSTIFIABLE An act which would otherwise be legally unaccepable but which is made acceptable or excusable by circumstances. In a justifiable homicide , for example, a killing is excused by circumstances of self-defense, public neces sity, unavoidable intervention by a police officer to prevent commission of a crime, etc. JUSTIFY [L. iustus / justice, what is right] To show or explain the reasons or motivation for an act. To prove that some act is fair and reasonable. To swear an oath regarding ownership of property or to qualify as a surety, e.g., to establish compliance with the requirements for bail. JUSTITIA NEMINI NEGANDA EST [L. iustitia / justice, fairness + nemo, nemini / no one + negare / to deny, say no + sum, esse / to be] Justice must never be denied to anyone. No one should be denied access to justice. JUS UTENDI The right to use one’s property or tools. JUVENILE [L. iuventus / youth, the prime of life] In Roman days, the term was used to describe anyone between the ages of 20 and 45. Today, it is applied to persons who are not yet adults; the age of matu rity may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. It is also often used to describe conduct by the young, as in juvenile delinquent, juvenile offender or juvenile court.

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