Latin for Lawyers

MACHINATION

MACHINATION [L. machinor, machinari / to contrive, invent, devise] A scheme or contrivance intended for some fraudulent or dishonest purpose. MAGISTER [L. magis / more than] Master, chief, head, director. Also, a learned person, teacher, schoolmaster. MAGISTER CANCELLARIAE A master in chancery. MAGISTRATE [L. magister / chief, superintendent] A public quasi-judicial official whose functions are usually strictly defined. In the judicial system, an inferior judicial officer, generally at a local level, authorized to hear petty offenses and misdemeanors. A police judge or justice of the peace. In the federal courts, an officer appointed by the judges of the district courts to hear pretrial matters. MAGNA CARTA [MAGNA CHARTA] Called the “great charter”, to which King John gave his assent in 1215. It is considered the fundamental guarantee of rights and privileges under English law. It guaranteed that every citizen would be assured the enjoyment of life, liberty and happiness and that he would be judged for any alleged misdeeds only by a jury of his peers. These essential principles are now embodied in the U.S. Constitution. MAGNA CULPA [L. magnus / large, great + culpa / fault, blame] Great fault; gross negligence. MAINTENANCE [L. manus / hand + teneo , tenere / to hold, have a grip on] In matrimonial law, the obligation of one party to provide for and support another, as a parent his child, or a husband his wife. Also, financial support given by an outsider who has no interest in a law suit, to a party to the suit, to enable him or her to continue the law suit; this support is unlawful. To med dle in the disputes or conflicts of others; especially, to give financial support for the purpose of stirring up litigation.

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