Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

ing part of a tract of land but claiming the whole will be deemed by the law to possess the whole as described in his claim. Virtual representation is the prin ciple under which all members of a class with similar claims are deemed to be represented by the plaintiff bringing a suit. VIRTUE, VIRTUOUS [L. virtus / manliness; excellence; worth; virtue] Moral excellence. Conforming to principles of right. Established principles of merit and excellence. Rectitude in conduct and attitude. A virtuous person is anyone who adheres to accepted standards of morality. VIRTUTE OFFICII [L. virtus / manliness, virtue, deeds of bravery + officium / duty, respect, service, office] By virtue of office. Acts of an office holder which are authorized and within his power but which he performs so negligently or improperly as to constitute an abuse of office. VIS, VIRES [L. force, power, strength] Force, strength. See ULTRA VIRES; EXTRA VIRES VISA [L. viso, visere, visi / to inspect; to look at carefully] An endorsement by an official of one country upon the passport of another country of which the passport holder is a citizen, certifying that the passport holder may proceed to enter and proceed through the first country. A visa is required by the United States before a foreigner may enter the country. VIS DIVINA [L. vis / force + divinus / noble; concerning a deity; divine] An act of God. VIS ET METUS [L. vis / force + metus / fear, dread (from metuo , metuere / to fear)] Force and fear. VISITATION [L. visito , visitare / to visit, see often] An official visit for purposes of review and inspection. The act of a public agency which has supervisory authority over some institution, such as a hos pital or school, in entering upon and inspecting the institution to confirm observance of the agency’s rules and specifications. The right of a parent to spend time alone with a child in the custody of the other parent or of a guard ian. The right given to the relative of a prisoner to visit him in prison or to the friends or relatives of a person confined to a mental institution to visit him. VIS LEGIBUS EST INIMICA Force and violence are the enemies of the law.

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