Latin for Lawyers

SUPPRESSIO VERI, SUGGESTIO FALSI

cial evidence. To suppress a will is to fail to produce a will in one’s custody after notice of the death of the testator. SUPPRESSIO VERI, SUGGESTIO FALSI The suppression of truth suggests a falsehood. SUPRA [L. above, over, on top of] Above. In a written work, the word refers the reader from one reference or citation to a preceding section, phrase or citation. See INFRA SUPRA DICTUS [L. supra + dico , dicere / to indicate, say, speak] As written or stated above. SUPREMACY (CLAUSE) [L. supremus , superlative of superus / situated above, higher, greater] The provision of Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution which declares that the supreme law of the United States consists of the Constitution, the laws passed by Congress, and the treaties executed under the authority of the fed eral government, notwithstanding anything contained in the constitution or laws of any of the states. The result is to give priority to federal law over state law in those areas in which federal law applies. SUPREMACY (OF LAW) The notion that every citizen and every agency of government must respect and observe the rule of law, i.e., that all must adhere to due process as estab lished and confirmed by the Constitution, the applicable statutes and the deci sions of the courts. SUPREME [L. supremus / the highest] Having the highest rank. Above all others. Having ultimate or final authority. In most states, the state’s Supreme Court is the highest court. The United States Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation. It is the court of last resort on issues of federal law. It has original and exclusive jurisdiction over matters concerning ambassadors and consuls and over conflicts between the states. SURCHARGE [L. sur ( super ) / above + carrus / a wheeled vehicle] To charge an extra fee or penalty. To add a charge. To correct an error in an existing bill or invoice. To impose a penalty on a fiduciary, e.g., a guardian, to compensate for his failure or neglect of duty, e.g., his failure to invest funds prudently or to manage the funds so as to avoid loss.

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