Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

MANUS MORTUA [L. manus + mors, mortis / death] Literally, a dead hand. At common law, the phrase was reduced to the word mortmain and was used to describe the transfer of real property to the church or to a corporation, thereby making the land inalienable. MARE CLAUSUM [L. mare / the sea + claudere / to close] A closed sea. A body of water that is within the jurisdiction and control of one nation. MARE LIBERUM [L. mare + liber / free] A navigable body of water that is open to the ships of all nations. MARINE INSURANCE A contract of insurance under which the insurer agrees to indemnify the insured's vessel and/or cargo in a stated amount against losses at sea. MARITAGIUM [L. maritus / of or related to marriage] The rights conferred by marriage. Land given as part of the marriage agree ment; dower in land. MARITAL [L. maritus / related to marriage] Describes anything growing out of or related to marriage or the state of being married. A marital deduction is an income tax deduction available only to married couples. MARITIME [L. maritimus (from mare ) / belonging to the sea] Relating to or describing any activity concerning navigable waters such as the sea, large lakes, rivers, etc. Navigation or commerce on these waters. MARITIME LAW The law governing all matters relating to commerce on navigable waters, including matters relating to seamen, harbors, ships, etc. MARITUS Of or relating to marriage. Also, a husband; a married man. See NUPTIAL MARKET [L. mercor, mercari / to carry on trade; buy and sell] A place designated by a municipality for the display of merchants’ wares and for the carrying on of trade. Also, any place in which people trade goods for other goods or for money. An organized facility for trade in commodities or securities, as a stock exchange. A retail establishment.

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