Latin for Lawyers

LEGAL

LEGAL [L. legalis / legal, from lex, legis / the law; a rule or law] Concerning the law. Authorized by a law or rule. Created or established by a statute or regulation. Arising under principles of the English common law as opposed to the principles of the English courts of equity. Relating to the pro fession and practice of law by lawyers. Concerning the study of law, as in the programs of continuing legal education required of practicing lawyers in most states. LEGAL FICTION A fact assumed by the court regardless of its truth to enable it to reach a deci sion on the law. Contrived facts which may or may not be accurate but which are cited and utilized by the court in reaching its conclusions on the law. LEGALIBUS [L. legare / to leave as a legacy; ordain, appoint] Any chattel or item of personal property which can be disposed of by will. LEGALIZE To make legal. To give lawful status to an act or condition which does not conform to the laws. To validate an existing circumstance of questionable legal status. LEGATEE [L. legare / to leave in a will] Any person who receives a gift of personal property under a will. LEGATION [L. legare / to ordain, appoint; also, to leave in a will] A person or persons sent by one country to another to act as its official repre sentatives; a diplomatic mission. Also, the official residence of the head of the mission. LEGEM ENIM CONTRACTUS DAT The law of a contract is determined by the provisions of the contract. LEGEM FACERE [L. lex, legem / law, laws + facere / to make, do] To enact a law. To swear on oath. LEGES HUMANAE NASCUNTUR, VIVUNT ET MORIUNTUR The laws made by humans are born, live and then die. LEGES SCRIPTAE [L. leges + scribo, scribere / to write] The written law. Statutory law, as opposed to judge-made or common law. See JUS COMMUNE; JUS SCRIPTUM

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