Latin for Lawyers

POSTHUMOUS

POSTHUMOUS [L. post + humo , humare / to cover with earth, to bury] An event or deed which follows the death of an individual. Examples: the birth of a son after the death of his father; the publication of a creative work after the death of the author, artist or composer. POST LITEM MOTAM Following the commencement of the action or litigation. POST MORTEM [L. post + mors , mortis / death] After death. Relating to events or actions after the death of an individual. An autopsy or examination of the body of a deceased to determine the cause of death. Also, an inquiry into the causes of an event after it has occurred. See AUTOPSY POST NUPTIAL [L. post + nuptiae / marriage, wedding] After marriage. A post-nuptial agreement is an agreement between spouses to fix the rights of each with respect to their property and other interests, including, if they wish, provisions governing the disposition of property after separation, divorce or death. See PRENUPTIAL POST OBIT [L. post + obitus / downfall, destruction, death] After death. A post obit agreement is one in which one party borrows money which he agrees to repay to the lender upon the death of a third party from whom he expects to inherit. A post obit note is a promissory note payable at a specified time after the death of the maker. POTENTIA Power, might, ability, especially political power. Also, likely, foreseeable. POTENTIA INUTILIS FRUSTRA EST Power which cannot be used is power in vain. POTENTIA PROPINQUA [L. potentia + propinquis / near, nearby] A foreseeable event; something which is likely to happen. POVERTY [L. pauper , paupertas / poor, not wealthy, of limited means; pov erty] The state of being poor or without resources. One in poverty may, upon appli cation, obtain access to counsel, to public assistance and to other benefits and services made available by society. See PAUPER

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