Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

DIRECTOR [L. dirigere / to arrange, direct] A person who manages or directs. An administrative officer elected or appointed to manage some or all the affairs of a corporation or company. A person elected by the shareholders of a corporation to serve on the board of directors, a group entrusted with overall control and supervision of the corpo ration's affairs. A director has a fiduciary duty to the shareholders. The board of directors appoints and dismisses corporate officers, declares and pays divi dends, and oversees the general affairs of the corporation. DISABILITY [L. dis / apart, the opposite of + habilitas / aptitude] Physical or mental impairment. Incapacity to pursue an occupation or employment. The civil rights of individuals with disabilities are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which guarantees them equal opportunity in public accommodations, employment, transportation, govern ment services and telecommunications. A disability may be partial or total, or temporary or permanent. Also, a lack of legal capacity to do or perform some act, as in the case of a minor or a person who is mentally incompetent. DISAFFIRM [L. dis + adfirmare / to strengthen, make firm; to prove] To cancel, rescind or repudiate. To refuse to be bound by. A minor may disaf firm a contract made by him. DISCHARGE [L. dis + carrus / a four-wheeled vehicle] To relieve of a burden. To release from an obligation, debt or duty. To get rid of a debt by payment, the rendition of services or a release. To cause an instrument to become unenforceable. To release a prisoner from custody or confinement. To terminate the employment of a worker. To satisfy a require ment or comply with a demand or duty. In bankruptcy law, to release a debtor from the obligation to pay some or all of his debts. To release a jury from fur ther service or deliberation. DISCIPLINE [L. disciplina / instruction, teaching ( discipulus / pupil)] Controlled conduct. Good behavior. The maintenance of order; observance of rules. A field of study. Training or instruction intended to encourage high moral standards. The American Bar Association and other associations of attorneys, as well as the courts and governmental agencies, have enunciated rules for the discipline of attorneys who fail to observe defined standards of professional conduct. DISCLAIM, DISCLAIMER [L. dis + clamo, clamare / to call, cry out] To issue a disclaimer . To refuse or give up a claim or interest in property. A disclaimer is the rejection or disavowal of a right or interest, as of an estate in

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