Latin for Lawyers

CONVICT

CONVICT [L. convinco, convincere / to convict of a crime; to prove a mistake or error] To find someone guilty after consideration of the evidence. To determine guilt of a criminal offense. A convict is a person convicted, or found guilty, of a crime. CONVICTION [L. convincere ] The act of determining that an accused is guilty of the acts charged. An offi cial judicial determination of guilt in a criminal offense. Also, a compelling attitude or belief. COORDINATE [L. co + ordinare / to put in order] Of the same rank; equal to. In harmony with. Courts of the same rank or authority with equal competence to deal with a particular matter have coordi nate and concurrent jurisdiction . COPARCENARY [L. co + partitio (from partiri / to distribute, share) / a divi sion or sharing] Joint ownership, as by joint heirs. See PARCENARY CORAM Before you personally, in your presence, openly. CORAM NOBIS [L. coram / in presence of + nobilis / known, well-known] Before us, in our presence. A writ which brings to the trial court’s attention errors in fact, such as the existence of a valid defense, which were not dis closed earlier because of mistake, duress or fraud and which would have resulted in a different verdict or judgment if known. It differs from an appeal in that it is directed to the trial court and not an appellate court. The writ has been abolished by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. See ERROR CORAM NOBIS CORAM NON JUDICE [L. coram + non + iudico, iudicare / to judge] A proceeding before, or determination by, a judge who has no authority or jurisdiction to deal with the matter. CORAM VOBIS Before you. A writ of error directed by an appellate court to the trial court instructing the court to correct an error in fact and render judgment accord ingly. This writ has been abolished under the FRCP, along with the writ of coram nobis.

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