Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

exchange for a lighter sentence than might have been imposed on the original charge after a verdict of guilty. PLEADING [L. placere ] The formal statement or declaration submitted by a party in litigation con taining his claims, allegations, denials or defenses. All the documents exchanged by the parties to define the issues between them. Examples of pleadings: the plaintiff’s complaint ; the defendant’s answer or cross-com plaint ; and the plaintiff’s reply . PLEBISCITE [L. plebs / the people, the common people + scisco, sciscere / to investigate, inquire, find out] The process by which the voters themselves decide a political issue, instead of delegating the decision to their elected representatives. A plebiscite differs from a referendum in that a plebiscite usually refers to a popular vote on such fundamental issues as nationhood, annexation, separation, or the adoption of a constitution, whereas a referendum refers to a popular vote on a particular law or statute. Many states, especially California and Oregon, now decide basic political issues through referanda instead of by action of the legislature. See REFERENDUM PLENA AETAS [L. plenus / full, filled, pregnant + aetas / age, time of life] Of full age. The age of majority. PLENARY [L. plenus / full] Complete in all respects. An event, meeting, session or gathering which is attended by all who are entitled to attend. A plenary hearing is a proceeding to try and determine all the issues between the parties. A plenary confession is a full, complete and conclusive admission of responsibility for the crimes charged or alleged. Plenary powers are all the powers needed to carry out a task or assignment. A plenary session of the U.N. is a meeting of delegates from all member nations. PLENE ADMINISTRAVIT The plea by an executor or administrator of an estate in an action against him for a debt of his decedent, alleging that he has completed the administration of the estate and has no further responsibility. PLURALITY [L. multus, plus, plurimus / much, many] That number in a group which is greater than any other in the group, but not more than half. More than any other but less than a majority. A candidate in an election with more than two candidates can win by a plurality . A plurality opinion is an appellate opinion which becomes the opinion of the court

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