Latin for Lawyers

LOCUS IN QUO

LOCUS IN QUO Literally, the place in which or where. In pleadings, designates the place where an action occurred or an offense was committed. LOCUS PAENITENTIAE [L. locus + paenitere / to repent, be sorry] The moment of regret or repentance. The point at which a person is still able to change his mind before it is too late to avoid liability, as before committing a wrongful act or crime. LOCUS REI SITAE [L. locus + res / thing, object + situs / place, position] The place where the thing is located. The location of the property at issue. LOCUS SIGILLI (L. S.) [L. locus + sigilla / small ornaments or figures; engraving cut into a ring] The place for affixing a signature or seal; usually abbreviated “L.S.” Origi nally, a formal seal was used to indicate that a document had been executed. In current use, a party’s signature is generally sufficient, but the designation “L.S.” survives to indicate the place of execution. LOCUS STANDI The place where one stands. A litigant’s standing in court. The right to appear and be heard before a body such as a court, a legislature, a committee, etc. LONGA POSSESSIO JUS PARIT Continuous possession ripens into right. LUCID [L. lux / light, daylight] In complete command of one’s faculties; sane, rational; clear, intelligible. Used in lucid interval to indicate a period during which a person who may be generally insane or deprived of mental capacity, has sufficient temporary capacity and clarity of mind to act in a legally binding or consequentual way, e.g., so as to execute a valid will or enter into a binding agreement. LUCRATIVE [L. lucror, lucrari / to gain or profit; to win] Affording gain or profit. Free of cost, charge or consideration. LUCRI CAUSA [L. lucrari / to gain or profit + causa / reason for, motivation, purpose] Intent to profit or gain from a wrongful act; an element of the crime of lar ceny.

226