Latin for Lawyers

CLANDESTINE

word is often used synonymously with the term cause of action . Also, the assertion by a patent applicant that his invention is novel and patentable. CLANDESTINE [L. celare / to hide, conceal, keep secret] An act or event conducted in secrecy and with intent to conceal; e.g., a clan destine marriage. CLAUSE [L. claudere / to close, to shut up, to conclude] A group of connected words containing a subject and a verb, but part of a complex sentence. In law, a section or part of a document, as a paragraph in a will or statute. CLAUSUM An enclosed place, a piece of land surrounded by a fence or by defined boundaries. CLAUSUM FREGIT [L. clausum + frangere / to break] He broke the fence or boundary line; he committed a trespass. CLAVES CURIAE [L clavis / a key + curiae / court] The keys to the courthouse. CLEMENCY [ L. clemens / mild, kind, merciful] A lenient or sympathetic attitude. The act of moderating a sentence or other punishment; e.g., a pardon or commutation of sentence. CODE, CODEX [L. caudex, codex / the trunk of a tree; wooden tablets cov ered with wax on which words were inscribed; a book made of such tablets] A book; a book of accounts. The organized statement of a body of laws, regu lations, principles or guidelines. A collection of laws or of regulations in a particular area of the law, such as the Bankruptcy Code, the Internal Revenue Code, etc. CODICIL [L. codicillus / a small codex, a small branch; a writing tablet] An addition to or modification of a will; a document altering or revoking pro visions of an existing will. It is not a new will nor a complete revocation of the existing will, but an extension of it. Formerly a codicil was physically attached to the will, but now it may be contained in an independent docu ment. COERCION [L. coercere / to enclose, shut in, confine, restrain] The threat of physical or mental force or pressure of such magnitude as to cause a reasonable person to fear death, physical violence, economic loss, or

46