Latin for Lawyers

PROPTER AFFECTUM

PROPTER AFFECTUM [L. propter / by reason of + adfectum / a mental atti tude] On account of bias or partiality. A challenge to a juror on the ground of bias. PROPTER DEFECTUM [L. propter / because of + defectus / a lack or fault] On account of some personal disability or quality. A challenge to a juror because of some personal disability or disqualification, e.g., that he is an ex convict or an alien. PROPTER DELICTUM [L. propter / because of + delictum / a crime] On account of a crime. A challenge to a juror based on conviction for a dis qualifying crime. PRO RATA [L. pro + reor , reri, ratus / to think, judge, fix] Calculated by or according to a proportional measure. To divide, fix or assess proportionately. To divide or allocate in proportion to some measure of time, space or value. A corporation will pay a dividend to its common stockholders pro rata, i.e., according to the percentage each owns of the common stock. PRO RATA CLAUSE A clause in an insurance policy limiting the risk of any one insurer on a par ticular loss to its proportionate share of all coverage of that loss by all carriers covering the loss. PROSCRIBE, PROSCRIPTION [L. pro + scribere / to write; to make public, publish] To banish or exile. To forbid or condemn. To make illegal, as when a statute proscribes certain conduct or actions. PRO SE [L. pro + se / himself, herself, itself, themselves] In one’s own behalf; in person. A party who appears in an action without the benefit or counsel of an attorney appears pro se . See IN PROPRIA PERSONA PROSECUTE [L. pro + plus sequi / to follow ( prosequi , to go with, accom pany, follow; also, to attack, pursue)] In criminal law, to begin and maintain an action against a defendant who is charged with commission of a crime. More generally, to commence and maintain any legal proceeding: an action, an appeal, etc. A prosecutor or prosecuting attorney is an official who is appointed or elected to bring and conduct criminal actions in behalf of the state. Federal prosecutors are called U.S. Attorneys.

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