Latin for Lawyers

BANKRUPTCY [L. rumpere / break, shatter + banca , Italian for bank] A system of law and courts which administers the assets of insolvent persons, partnerships and corporations with the purpose of paying debts to creditors to the extent possible and discharging the bankrupt debtor from his/its obliga tions. The system in the United States is adminstered by federal bankruptcy courts under the Bankruptcy Code. Also, the state of being insolvent; i.e., unable to pay one’s debts as they become due. BATTERY [L. battuere / beat, knock] In the law of torts, an offensive or harmful contact with the person of another without the consent or invitation of that person; also the apprehension of such contact. The person who intends and commits such contact is liable in dam ages for the tort of battery . BELLIGERENT [L. belligerare / to wage war] Hostile, pugnacious. In law, the status of a nation which is at war with another nation; also, the status of an insurgent group or person attempting to take control of a nation by force. BELLO PARTA [L. bello, bellare / to wage war + pars / parts ] The spoils of war. BELLUM [L. war] War. BENEFICIAL [L. bene / well + facere / to do] To do well by. To confer a benefit or kindness. To give an advantage to. Ben eficial enjoyment suggests the benefits of ownership without legal title, as in the case of a trust beneficiary. A beneficial interest is the right to enjoy the use, benefit and income of property. BENEFICIARY [L. See BENEFICIAL ] One who benefits from some act, legal interest or arrangement. Examples: the person who receives the income from a trust is the beneficiary of the trust; the beneficiary of a life insurance policy receives the proceeds on the death of

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