Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

ATTESTATION CLAUSE The clause at the end of a will which is subscribed by the witnesses to the execution of the will and in which the witnesses affirm that the execution sat isfies the formal requirements of the jurisdiction in which the will is to be probated. Also, the language at the end of a deed or other legal instrument preceding the signature of witnesses to the execution of the instrument: e.g., Originally, to pay homage to a new lord or master. To turn over money or goods. The creation by an occupant of land of a landlord/tenant relationship by the payment of rent to the landlord; also, the acceptance of such rent by the landlord. Also, to appoint an attorney in fact. ATTORNEY [L. ad + tornare ] An agent or deputy. One who is delegated or appointed to act for another. An attorney in fact is anyone who is given the formal power to act for another, either generally or with respect to specified matters. Also, of course, a person authorized to practice law, a lawyer, an attorney at law . AUDITA QUERELA A common law writ which enabled a judgment debtor to petition for relief upon new facts or circumstances, or to assert a defense which was not avail able at trial. In jurisidictions which follow the Federal Rules of Civil Proce dure, the writ has been replaced by a motion for relief from judgment. AULA REGIS [L. aula / courtyard, hallway + rex / king] The king’s hall. In England, a great hall in which the king met with his offic ers of state. Later called the King’s Bench. AUTOPSY [L. from Gk. autopsia / to see with one's own eyes] An examination of the body of a deceased by a trained physician or techni cian to determine the cause of death. Any critical examination of events or conditions in the past. AUTOPTIC EVIDENCE Real or palpable evidence. Objective evidence which the jury can see, hear or touch through its own senses; e.g., a knife or gun, a forged instrument, etc. AUXILIUM PETERE [L. auxilium / help, assistance + petere / to ask for, beg, plead] To seek aid or assistance. “in the presence of” or “in witness whereof”, etc. ATTORN [L. ad + tornare / to turn, make round]

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