Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

CAPITA [L. caput / head] The head or entire body of a person. A person considered or counted as one; to count each person as one, as in in capita or per capita . See PER CAPITA, PER STIRPES CAPITAL [L. caput / head] A crime for which society exacts execution and death. Punishment by execu tion. Also, chief in impact or importance. The seat of government. The present value of goods accumulated and held over an extended period of time, as opposed to income, which is compensation over a limited period of time. Wealth devoted to the production of income. Net worth. CAPITALIZE [L. caput ] To dedicate a portion or all of the value of a chattel, commodity or property to a permanent investment for the production of income. To convert income or investment into capital. To commit assets to a business for indefinite use and consumption in the production of income. CAPITATION TAX [L. caput / head] A tax levied on each individual regardless of his income or the value of his property; also called a head tax or a poll tax. A capitation tax as a condition of the right to vote is prohibited by the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitu tion. CAPITE [ L. caput ] A feudal interest in land acquired by direct grant from the sovereign. See IN CAPITE CAPITULA, CAPITULARY [L. capitulare / to separate into headings or chapters] A code or collection of laws or ordinances. CARCER [L. a jail or prison] A prison or jail; a prison cell. See INCARCERATE CARNAL [L. caro, carnis / flesh, meat] Giving way to sensual, especially sexual, appetites. Relating to the pleasures and appetites of the flesh and body, usually in connection with sexual plea sures.

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