Latin for Lawyers

DISPUTE

DISPUTE [L. disputare / to debate or discuss (from dis + puto, putare / to think, estimate, clear up)] A contest between opposing claims or interests. The underlying basis for liti gation. A difference in views or opinions. To meet a demand or assertion with contrary claims or demands. To fight over. DISSENT [L. dis + sentire / to feel, experience] A difference of opinion. To withhold agreement or consent. The view or opinion of a judge on a multi-judge court who does not agree with the view or opinion of the majority. The judge who disagrees can express his views in a dissenting opinion. DISSIPATE [L. dissipare ( or dissupare) / to scatter, disperse, spread around] To waste assets. To spend foolishly and wastefully. To misuse funds entrusted to one's care. To pursue pleasure excessively. DISSOLVE, DISSOLUTION [L. dis + solvere / to loosen, untie] To undo, break up, disperse. The act of breaking up or terminating a relation ship. The dissolution of a corporation is the termination of its legal existence either by voluntary act of its stockholders or through an act of the state. The dissolution of a partnership occurs upon the separation of one partner from the partnership. The dissolution of a marriage occurs upon divorce. DISTINGUISH [L. distinguere / to separate, divide up; to distinguish] To see the difference between two things. To point out or identify. To separate into kinds or classes. In an opinion or analysis, to explain the difference in reasoning, approach or conclusion between two cases or decisions. To justify a ruling or decision which seems at variance with another decisions by recon ciling the differences in fact or reasoning. DISTRIBUTE [L. distribuere / to divide, distribute] To move goods or products in the stream of commerce. To purchase goods from a manufacturer for resale to a retailer. To allot or spread out. To give out or dispense. To serve as warehouseman and/or wholesaler. DISTURB [L. disturbare / to drive out; to frustrate; to disturb; to uproot] To cause confusion or disorder. To uproot or upset the peace and tranquility of. To interfere with or interrupt. DIVERSITY [L. divertere / to turn in another direction, turn away from] The condition of being different or distinct. Diversity jurisdiction is required by the federal courts before actions which do not turn on constitutional or federal questions can be brought before them. This means that an action based on diversity of citizenship can be brought only if no party on one side

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