Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

BIPARTISAN [L. bi + partire / to divide or separate; to divide in two] Divided into two parts. In the United States, the name given to any govern mental, public or quasi-public body which has as its members the representa tives of two parties. Also, a legislative discussion or vote evidencing the divergent views of two parties instead of their agreement. BONA [L. good, virtuous] Good. BONA [L. goods, assets, possessions] In the original Latin, the word was used to describe both personal and real property. At common law, it was limited to personal property. BONA CONFISCATA Property forfeited to the sovereign. The holder in due course of a negotiable instrument, i.e., a holder who acquires title to the instrument in the ordinary course of business and for value without knowedge of any defect in title. BONA FIDE PURCHASER (BFP) A buyer who pays valuable consideration, has no notice of any outstanding rights in others to the title of his seller, and who acts in good faith. BONA GESTURA [L. bonus / good + gero, gerere / to carry on, conduct one self, act] Good behavior. BONA MOBILIA [L. bona + mobilis / moveable, easy to move] Articles and chattels which are capable of being moved from place to place. BONA PERITURA [L. bona + perire / to perish] Perishable goods. BONA VACANTIA [L bona + vacare / to be empty, void] Literally, empty goods. Applied to goods which were not disposed of in a decedent’s will and were also not covered by any provision in intestacy; assets which cannot be claimed by anyone either in intestacy or under the will. Also, any goods without an identifiable owner. BONA FIDE [L. bona + fides / trust, confidence, belief] In good faith; honest; without guile or deceit; innocent. See FIDES; MALA FIDES BONA FIDE HOLDER

33