Latin for Lawyers

CHARTER

CHARTER [L. charta / a leaf of the Papyrus plant. Writing paper] A grant of power or function from an agency of government to a corporation or other entity. A written document that sets forth and defines the scope and powers of an organization such as a school or division of government. Authority to form and create a branch or chapter by a central agency such as a church or board of education. A charter party is the leasing of a ship by its owner to be used by the lessee for the transportation of cargo. See CHARTA CHOSE [L. causa / cause, reason] Any item of personal property. A thing. A chose in action is any right or claim that can be reduced to recovery in a lawsuit, e.g., a debt or a claim to recover in tort for personal injuries. Also, a document creating or forming the basis for a legal claim, e.g., a contract, promissory note or check. CIRCA [L. circum / in a circle] Around, about, approximately. Used before a date to indicate a lack of preci sion about the date. CIRCUIT [L. circu(m)ire / to go around] The area within which a particular court has jurisdiction, derived from the practice of judges to travel around and within the boundaries of their courts. In the federal judicial system, the area over which a United States Court of Appeals has jurisdiction. CIRCUMSTANCE [L. circum / round + abstare / to stand; to stand in a circle; to surround] Anything that needs to be taken into account or to be considered. An event or fact that constitutes one part of a series of events or facts. A subordinate or incidental fact or circumstances. A factor to be considered in weighing the probability of an event, such as whether an accused is guilty of the crime charged. The measure of a person's status or wealth, e.g., his circumstances before that unfortunate investment. Circumstantial evidence is evidence of events and facts which tend to prove that the event or fact at issue has occurred even though it cannot be proved directly. CIRCUMSTANTIAL [L. circum + abstare ] Pertinent to but not immediately impinging upon. Circumstantial evidence consists of facts concerning an event or transaction which permit a judge or juror to draw reasonable inferences as to the way in which the event probably occurred.

44