The duty of confidentiality is an ethical obligation imposed on someone by law, profession, or contract. Relationships such as attorney-client, doctor-patient, and priest-penitent are recognized as having a special status that prevents the disclosure of private information. The lawyer-client relationship is one of the most consolidated and inviolate, and the lawyer is ethically bound to […]
Bind over is a court order requiring a specific action, often related to a hearing or trial. It may include jail time or a bond set to ensure attendance. A bond of sentence may be used to ensure attendance at a sentencing hearing. A bond review hearing may be requested to change a binding order. […]
Jointly and severally means shared responsibility in the US legal system, with applications in personal injury lawsuits, corporate partnerships, and financial situations. Joint liability can be controversial, with proponents arguing it aids injured parties and critics pointing to inequality. The phrase also appears in partnership agreements and incorporation documents. Joint liability rules vary by jurisdiction […]
Humanitarian parole is a temporary permit for entry into the US granted in exceptional circumstances. Applicants must be outside the country and provide compelling evidence for admission, such as medical treatment or family separation. The process involves obtaining an application from a US embassy and undergoing an interview. Excessive parole can lead to deportation and […]
The term “daylight robbery” refers to the practice of openly overcharging for goods and services. Its origin may be traced back to the 17th-century English window tax, but the first recorded use of the term was in the early 20th century. There is disagreement about what constitutes daylight robbery, but greater transparency in financial industries […]
The Liberum veto was a unanimity rule in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, allowing any member of parliament to veto any bill or end a session. It was intended to curb monarchical powers but often paralyzed the government until its abolition in 1791. The Sejm deteriorated into a chaotic state due to the frequent use of the […]
An attachment writ allows for funds to be taken from a person’s wages and given to another party, often due to unpaid debts or child support. A court order is usually required for garnishment to occur. A writ of seizure allows for property to be seized to repay a debt or fulfill a contract. It […]
Probation is when someone is released from incarceration before their maximum sentence, but they must obey certain conditions. These conditions vary by location and may include unannounced inspections, abstaining from illegal substances, and staying within a prescribed area. Meeting these conditions can be challenging, but it can also be the first step to staying out […]
Safety in numbers is the belief that individuals are more confident when engaging in certain activities as part of a group. This concept applies to animals and humans, including traffic safety. Large groups provide a statistical advantage of safety, while also raising awareness of the presence of individuals. Cycling activist groups encourage cyclists to travel […]
Nulla poena sine lege is a legal concept that prohibits punishment for actions not governed by law. It works with the idea of nothing crimen sine lege and nulla poena sine praevia lege poenali to protect people from being convicted and punished when there are no laws against their actions. It can prevent legal systems […]
“Vel non” is a Latin phrase meaning “or not” that is sometimes used in legal contexts, but is considered unnecessary and can be replaced with “if”. It may appear in older legal documents and in fiction, but people can usually substitute “or not” to understand its meaning. Legal documents should be explained in plain language […]
Competition is the simultaneous commission of a crime with the intent to cause damage. It is necessary to show concurrence to hold someone legally responsible for a crime. The actus reus is the guilty action, while mens rea is the guilty mind. Attorneys use various means to establish or disprove competition. The single transaction principle […]
Protected classes are groups that cannot legally face discrimination. In the US, federal classes include race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, and veteran status. Legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects these classes. Some classes, such as sexual orientation, are not federally recognized. Protected classes aim to make life fairer, […]
The “New Three Rs” – reduce, reuse, recycle – encourages using already manufactured goods and reducing disposables. Reusing items and recycling benefits the community, saves time and money, and reduces consumption of finite resources. Everyone can participate in this process. Sometimes referred to as the “New Three Rs,” the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” is a […]
Rebuttal evidence is used in court to challenge or contradict evidence presented by the opposing party. It can include documents, witness testimony, and questioning the witness’s memory or bias. Cross-examination is used to refute evidence, and surrebuttal allows for clarification. Restrictions may apply, such as in cases of child abuse or termination of parental rights. […]
The thumbs-up gesture means “good” in the US and Australia, but is offensive in parts of Asia and the Middle East. The OK sign is also offensive in some countries. Other gestures, such as smiling and prolonged eye contact, can be misunderstood in different cultures. In many countries, including the United States and Australia, the […]
Ex nunc means “from now on” in legal terminology, while ex tunc means “from the beginning.” Ex nunc rulings only affect matters from their existence onwards, while ex tunc rulings can declare something invalid from its inception. Understanding the difference is important in contract law and legal systems that allow for changes. The establishment and […]
The phrase “riding the gravy train” means living an easy life or obtaining a windfall. It may have originated from “everything else is gravy” and is often used to describe luxuries or large amounts of money. Many people have probably heard things like, “So, you’re riding on the gravy train.” This phrase is generally used […]
The prefix nano- means billionth and is often used in the context of structures and processes that occur at the nanoscale. Nanoscience investigates these phenomena, while nanotechnology creates useful devices. The smallest bacteria have a diameter of 200 nm. Richard Feynman proposed the idea of manipulating things atom by atom. Nanotechnology has inspired multibillion-dollar investments […]
“Sua sponte” refers to voluntary legal action taken by a court without prompting. It can include dismissing frivolous lawsuits or adjourning cases where the court lacks jurisdiction. The decision benefits all parties and is made in compliance with the law. “Nostra sponta” refers to a decision made by multiple judges. The Latin phrase sua sponte […]
