Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

impede the tendency or impulse of an imprudent beneficiary to waste the assets of the trust; the trust restricts access by the beneficiary to the trust prin cipal and provides for the disposition of trust income solely for the benefit of the beneficiary. The assets of the trust cannot be reached by the beneficiary’s creditors to satisfy any debts he may create. SPOLIATION [L. spolio , spoliare / to plunder, strip of, deprive of, take away from] To plunder or take by force or pressure. To injure beyond retrieval. To waste away or destroy. The alteration or destruction of a document, such as a will or contract, by a stranger to the document. Also, the destruction or mutiliation of material evidence. SPONSOR [L. spondeo , spondere / to pledge, promise, engage] A person who assumes responsibility for an act, thing, or person. A person who supports the work and performance of an author, musician or artist. A person who subsidizes or contributes to the creation, production or promotion of some enterprise or project, such as a theatrical performance, an art gallery, a philanthropic organization or a school. Also, a person who contributes to the cost of a radio or television program by advertisement or grant. A person who occupies the position of mentor to another and who endorses or supports the membership of the latter in some select group or honor, e.g., the attorney who sponsors the admission to the bar of a student who has passed the bar exam. Also, a legislator who introduces or supports a new piece of legisla tion. Also, anyone who promotes to others investment in a business venture. SPONTANEOUS (DECLARATION) [L. sponte / of one’s own free will; for its own account; unassisted] Arising from natural causes or impulse without external suggestion or provo cation. Impelled from within. Occurring without external influence or force. Automatic; unthinking. A spontaneous declaration is a statement made under conditions of excitement, impulse or pain in conditions which support truth and preclude time or opportunity for fabrication. Spontaneous declarations (also called exclamations or utterances) are an important exception to the hearsay rule, falling under the excited utterance exception. SPOUSAL IMMUNITY See IMMUNITY (SPOUSAL) SPOUSE [L. sponsus / a bridegroom or bride; anyone newly married] A husband or wife; a married person.

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