Latin for Lawyers

RESOLVE

RESOLVE [L. re + solvo, solvere / to loosen, release] To find a solution for; bring into focus; determine. To make a decision about. To decide formally, e.g., by resolution or vote. To clear up or succeed with. To reach a legally binding decision. RESPONDEAT SUPERIOR [L. respondeo , respondere / to match, agree with, answer, reply + superus , superior, supremus / upper, higher, standing above] Literally, let the one in higher position or authority reply; let the master respond. A doctrine of agency law, which assigns responsibility and liability to the employer or principal for the acts of her employee or agent, including negligence, provided the employee or agent is acting within the scope of his employment or agency. Because the doctrine is based on agency, the employer is not liable when the employee’s act is beyond the scope of his employment. RESPONDENT [L. respondere / to answer or reply] Literally, anyone who responds or who must respond. In any proceeding orig inated by the filing of a petition, the party required to respond to the petition is called the respondent . In appellate practice, the designation given to the party who received a favorable judgment in the court below and is now required to respond to the adversary’s appeal. RESPONSA PRUDENTUM [L. responsa / answer + prudentia / knowledge; wisdom] The opinion of persons learned in the law. RESPONSIBLE [L. respondeo, respondere / to reply, give an answer to] Liable or answerable for; legally accountable. Having the ability to meet or discharge an obligation. Trustworthy; possessing integrity and/or other desir able qualities. A responsible bidder is a bidder who has the financial resources to complete the job he bids on, and also the requisite knowledge, training and experiences. Also, subject to review and assessment. RESPONSIBILITY [L. responsum (from respondere) / to reply] An obligation or duty. The state of being accountable or answerable for one’s actions or standards. In the law, the state of being answerable for a debt, judg ment, accounting or other measure of duty. The need to make restitution for a deed or injury; a liability. Also, the ability to choose between right and wrong. RESPONSIVE [L. respondere ] Anything given in reply. In the law, a responsive pleading is a pleading which responds on the merits, i.e., to the substance of a pleading interposed by the

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