Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

SCRUPLE, SCRUPULOUS [L. scrupus / a sharp stone; a worry or anxiety] An instinct or attitude inhibiting action, based upon ethical or moral consid erations. A moral restraint. A reservation or qualm. To hesitate in recognition of a moral principle or dilemma. To have the capacity to curb action or to hes itate in the face of a moral issue or question. SCRUTINY [L. scrutor , scrutari / to inspect carefully, examine, search] Judicial inquiry and examination of a statute or regulation to determine whether it is constitutional under the equal protection clause of the Constiu tion. The Supreme Court has announced several different levels of statutory scrutiny, including the strict scrutiny applied to statutes which legislate dis parate treatment of persons or groups, based on race or national origin. See INTERMEDIATE; STRICT SCRUTINY SCUTAGE [L. scutum / shield, a soldiers shield] An ancient tax levied on a vassal or knight in lieu of service in the military. See TALLAGIUM SE [L. himself, herself, itself, themselves] The very person. Used in such phrases as inter se , between or among them selves; also, per se , by himself or itself. SEAL, SEALED [L. sigilla / a small figure or image; a seal] A device or emblem used at common law in lieu of or in conjunction with a signature to authenticate or identify a legal document, as a contract or will. Anything that secures a document. An ornamental stamp used to indicate that a document is meant to be opened and viewed only by designated persons. A device to prevent tampering. A symbol of rank or office. To prevent access, as to seal a door or corridor. A sealed verdict is a jury verdict arrived at during a court recess when the judge is not available to take and review the verdict; the verdict is placed in a sealed envelope and is opened and read when the judge returns. SEARCH [L. circum / round about, on all sides; in a circle] To examine or inspect carefully. To investigate or look into areas of conceal ment. To examine a public record, as in the case of land titles. To acquire knowledge through inquiry or scrutiny. An inquiry or inspection of persons, personal articles, possessions or premises by government agents or police to determine whether a crime has been committed and/or to find a weapon or contraband. Generally, no search may be made except upon a warrant issued only upon a showing of probable cause and, then, only of premises which are particularly described in the warrant. But some warrantless searches are per mitted. Examples: a protective search of the person and clothing of a suspect

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