Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

LEGISLATE [L. lex, legis / law, rule; lego, legare / to appoint, ordain, bequeath] To perform the functions of a body authorized to consider, debate and adopt laws to govern the general public. To exercise the power to make and promul gate rules and regulations having the force of law. To enact enforceable laws by the process of debate and exchange among representatives of the people, as opposed to law made by courts and judges. LEGISLATIVE IMMUNITY Describes two immunities enjoyed by members of the U.S. Congress. The first is the privilege from arrest during their attendance at sessions of Con gress, except for “Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace.” The second is their privilege “not [to] be questioned in any other place”… “for any Speech or Debate in either House.” Art. 1, § 6, cl. 1. The latter privilege guarantees their freedom to speak openly and without challenge on the floor, in commit tee, in their ballots, and in their writings and reports. LEGISLATURE [L. lex (lego) / the law + lator / a bearer or proposer of laws] A duly constituted body having the power to make laws for the body politic. An elected or designated body with the authority to make laws for a govern mental unit such as a state or nation. Congress is the bicameral legislature of the United States. The United States has a tripartite system of government of which the Congress is one part. The judiciary and the executive branch form the other two parts. LEGITIMA POTESTAS [L. legitimus / lawful + potestas / power, control] Lawful power. LEGITIMATE (VERB) [L. legitimus / legal, lawful, legitimate] To make lawful; to give legal status to. To give a child born out of wedlock the same rights and standing as a child born to a couple who are lawfully married. LENITY [L. lenio, lenire / to make mild, to relieve or alleviate, as of pain; to make more lenient] Leniency, clemency. The lenity rule provides that if there is ambiguity in a statute or rule defining punishment for a crime, the ambiguity should be resolved in favor of the more lenient interpretation. LETHAL [L. letalis / deadly, fatal] Capable of causing death. Any device or instrument which can be used to cause death is a lethal weapon .

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