Latin for Lawyers

CORPUS JURIS

CORPUS JURIS [L. corpus / body + ius, iuris / right, law] Body of law. Refers to a compendium of the law; i.e. , a series of books set ting forth the civil law or canon [ecclesiastical] law or American law. One collection of American law is known as Corpus Juris Secundum. CORRIGENDUM [L. corrigere / to correct] An error or omission in a printed document which is discovered only after the printing is completed; the error is usually explained and corrected on a sepa rate sheet distributed with the document. See ERRATUM CORROBORATE [L. corrobare / to strengthen, reinvigorate] To strengthen, give support to. To confirm a fact by additional proof. To add weight or credibility. Corroborating evidence is additional testimony or proof tending to strengthen other evidence already given in a matter. CORRUPT [L. corrumpere / to break into pieces; destroy; spoil, damage] Spoiled, debased, rotten. Morally depraved. Preferring wrong to right. To change from good to bad. To cause another to lose his moral values. COUNCIL [L. concilium / a coming together, a union (from concilio, conciliare / to bring together, unite)] Any assembly or meeting. A legislative body elected to consult and make laws. An appointed agency or authority. A meeting of delegates representing units in a federation. An amalgamation of independent organizations with a common purpose, such as a Labor Council composed of individual unions. COUNSEL [L. consulere / to reflect, consider, deliberate] To give advice after consultation and deliberation. The advice and assistance offered by a lawyer to her client after consultation with respect to any legal matter. The title given to a lawyer or attorney. The Constitution guarantees the right to “the assistance of counsel” to all criminal defendants. Amend ment VI. COURT [L. cohors / an enclosure or yard, especially for cattle] An official body for the administration of justice and the adjustment of dis putes. A single unit of the justice system and of the judicial branch of state or federal government. A place or building for the dispensation of justice. A judge or judges while exercising judicial functions. A trial court is a court of original jurisdiction which hears witnesses and resolves disputes. The federal trial courts are known as district courts. An appellate court is a court which considers and rules upon allegations of error by the trial courts. A court of

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