Latin for Lawyers

RENOUNCE, RENUNCIATION

to renew a cause of action, a contract, or a debt (e.g., by executing a new promissory note ). Also, the act of rebuilding an area of a city to eliminate decay and neglect; the renewal is generally done by subsidized private inves tors or by a governmental authority. RENOUNCE, RENUNCIATION [L. re + nuntio , nuntiare / to announce, to tell] To repudiate. To refuse to observe or follow. To give up or surrender a right or privilege, such as one’s citizenship. To waive a legal right. To repudiate or disavow a will, e.g., the act of a widow in renouncing the provisions of her husband’s will and claiming her statutory rights instead. Under the Uniform Commericial Code, a person may expressly renounce his rights under a nego tiable instrument. REO ABSENTE [L. reus / a party to an action; a defendant + absesse / to be absent] In the absence of the defendant. Because the defendant is absent. REORGANIZE, REORGANIZATION [L. re + organum / an implement or instrument (from the Greek)] To change, repair, convert in form or substance to a different state. To rear range. To cause a business to change its methods or structure, including its finances or ownership. The rehabilitation or restructuring of a company’s finances under the Bankruptcy Code through the intervention of the bank ruptcy court. A business reorganization may take the form of a merger with or into another company, the acquisition of another company, a recapitaliza tion, a transfer or sale of assets, etc. REPARATION [L. reparo , reparare / to renew, repair, restore] To make amends for a wrong or injury. The act of compensating another in money or property to restore him to his rightful status or position. The act of a defeated nation in paying for the damage inflicted on another nation or group of nations by its acts of hostility or warfare, e.g., reparations paid by Iraq after the Gulf War. REPATRIATION [L. re + patria / fatherland] The act of returning to one’s country of origin or citizenship. Also, the return of profits on foreign investments or of other objects to their country of origin, e.g., the return of a stolen work of art. REPEAL [L. re + pellere / to strike, drive away, dislodge] To revoke or recall. To render void or inapplicable.To annul. An amendment to the Constitution may be repealed by following the same steps as are required for adoption of an amendment. A franchise or license may be

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