Latin for Lawyers

UNIVERSAL

unity of ownership is ownership of the undivided and indivisible whole under which each joint tenant is entitled to the same period of ownership (the unity of time) and the same interest (the unity of interest) as the other. The unity of possession is the right of each joint tenant to possess both all and any part of the property. The fourth unity of joint tenants is the unity of title , i.e., the title of each joint tenant must accrue at the same time and under the same docu ment as the other’s. UNIVERSAL [L. unus , uni + vertere / to turn, turn around] Present or occurring everywhere. Comprehensive, extensive. Applying to every member of a class or group. Including the largest possible number. A trait characteristic of all the members of a group or society. Having unlimited or general application. A universal agent is an agent whose authority is co extensive with the powers and rights of the principal; he may act for the prin cipal in all delegable business transactions. A universal partnership is a part nership to which each partner has committed all his assets and property. UNIVERSITAS BONORUM [L. universitas / the whole, the total; the world + bonus / goods, property] A person’s entire estate. All of one’s goods and possessions. UNJUST (ENRICHMENT) The unlawful retention of money or property which belongs to another in law and equity. The failure to disgorge or return property or interests acquired through fraud or false pretenses. The principle that a person should not be able to profit unfairly from the property or services of another. UNO FLATU [L. unus , uni / one + flatus / breadth, breathing; also, arrogance] With one breadth; at the same moment. UNREASONABLE Unjustified; inappropriate; excessive. Arbitrary, immoderate. Amendment IV to the U.S. Constitution protects the people against unreasonable searches and seizures. The decision of an administrative agency will be considered unreasonable only if the facts do not permit a difference of opinion. Under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, an unreasonable restraint of trade is one which produces a significant anti-competitive effect on trade. See REASONABLE UNSECURED A debt or obligation which is supported only by a naked promise and is not protected by a third-party guarantee or by a security interest or by collateral given or pledged. An unsecured creditor is a general creditor sharing pro-rata

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