Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

MONITION [L. moneo, monere / to remind, to warn] The suggestion of danger. A summons to all interested parties to show cause why an order should not be issued. Also, a court order directing that some action be taken and stating the consequences of disobedience. MONOPOLY [L. monopolium / monopoly, sole right of ownership (from the Gr. monopolion )] A business enterprise which controls a source of goods or services. Exclusive or dominant control of a market sufficient to give power over prices or sources of supply. Sole ownership. MONUMENT [L. moneo, monere / to remind, warn] A written legal document or record. A lasting reminder of an event, a person, or a deed. In real estate law, the marker or measure of boundary lines; e.g., a fence, a stone wall, a tree. A memorial stone or other structure in honor of a deceased. MORAL [L. moralis / moral, ethical] Able to distinguish between right and wrong. Sensitive to issues that deter mine integrity of thought and behavior. Observing the general principles for correct social behavior. MORAL HAZARD As relates to fire and other casualty insurance, the degree of risk to the carrier posed by the character, integrity and self-interest of the assured. The more questionable his reputation for integrity, the greater the moral hazard and the risk of deliberate loss, as in committing arson. MORAL TURPITUDE [L. moralis / ethical, able to distinguish between right and wrong + turpis / ugly, deformed, evil, vile] Describes crimes which involve depravity and basic character flaws. Such baseness in the performance of one’s duties to others as to fail the minimally accepted tests for social conduct. More than “criminal”. An act contrary to all accepted social standards. MORA REPROBATUR IN LEGE Delay is frowned upon by the law. MORATORIUM [L. morar, morari / to delay] A delay or postponement in the fulfillment of a legal obligation. A period during which the payment of a debt or obligation is suspended. In the law of bankruptcy, the automatic stay imposed against acts by a creditor after a bankrupt files a petition in bankrupty is a kind of moratorium .

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