Latin for Lawyers

CANCEL

CANCEL [L. cancelli / bounds, limits] To annul. To reduce to nothing. To destroy. To destroy the effectiveness of a document such as a will by physical obliteration. To make a negotiable instrument uncollectable by defacing it, by blocking out the amount or signa ture, or by marking it “paid”. To terminate a contract on account of the other party's breach. CANNABIS A class of substances which includes marijuana and hashish; a controlled substance; i.e., a substance which is outlawed, restricted or regulated. CANON [L. ruler or role model; a standard (from the Greek)] A set of principles; a system of laws or regulations. Used in such phrases as Canons of Professional Ethics (the rules or standards which govern the con duct of the legal profession); or Canons of Descent (the rules regulating inheritance); or Canons of Construction (the principles governing the con struction of language and the interpretation of written instruments.) CANON LAW The body or code of laws governing a church. The system of jurisprudence governing the Roman Catholic Church. CAPACITAS RATIONALIS Literally, the capacity or ability to reason. Used by the Romans to describe the difference between man and the animals. CAPAX DOLI [L. capax / capable of + dolus / fraud, deceit] Capable of committing a crime. Having sufficient competence and under standing to be responsible for a crime. CAPIAS [L. capere / to take] That you take in; you are commanded to take or seize. A type of court writ issued to compel seizure of a defendant or his property for the purpose of compelling payment of a fine or response to a particular charge. CAPIAS AD RESPONDENDUM A writ directed to a sheriff or court officer commanding him to place a person under civil arrest to answer for a charge against him. CAPIAS AD SATISFACENDUM A writ to a sheriff commanding him to place a debtor under civil arrest until the claim against him is satisfied.

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