Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

SUMMATION [L. summus , summa / a form of summus / the highest] A summing up. The act or process of reviewing a number of facts or events and expressing conclusions as to their significance or meaning. The final part of an argument, integrating all the parts into a conclusory statement. The closing argument made by a lawyer after the evidence is all in, presenting the evidence most favorably to his client and summarizing the relief requested. SUMMONS [L. summoneo , summonere ( sub + monere / to warn) / to remind in secret] The written notice that advises a party to a civil action to appear in court and respond to the notice within a time specified. A document issued by the clerk of court in lieu of an arrest warrant in a minor criminal matter requiring the defendant to appear and respond to the charges against him. A notice to appear for jury duty. Also, a notice to appear as a witness. SUMMUM JUS SUMMA INJURIA Excessive strictness or rigidity in the law creates the greatest wrong. The more rigid the law the greater the potential for injustice. SUMPTUARY LAWS [L. sumptuarius (from sumere / to borrow or spend) / relating to expenses] Laws designed to curb or regulate extravagant expenditutes or display. In medieval England, these laws even attempted to curb the quantity of food that could be eaten at a single meal. SUO NOMINE [L. suus , suo / himself + nomen , nominis / name] In his own name. Under his own name. SUO PERICULO [L. suus + periculum / a trial or test; a hazard or risk; dan ger, peril] At his own risk. SUPER ALTUM MARE [L. super / over, above + alo , altus / grown great, lofty, the highest + mare / the sea] On the high seas. SUPERIOR [L. superus , superior ( supremus) / situated above, higher than] Of higher rank or position. Greater in quantity or number. Having priority. A superior court is usually an intermediate court of general jursidiction with authority to conduct jury trials. A superior force is a force or an event which cannot be predicted or protected against; an act of God. A superior lien is a lien which has priority over other liens. A superior title is a title to real prop erty which will be recognized by the courts as having priority over all other competing titles to the same property.

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