Legalese Words

Trix suffix words

They're sexist, archaic, and hard to pronounce. Like administratrix, executrix, prosecutrix, testatrix.

Prima facie
On the face of it. Presumed to be true unless disproved.

Nunc pro tunc

Means now for then. Acts allowed to be done retroactively.

Mandamus
A writ by which a court commands the performance of a particular act.

Bona fide
It means in good faith.

Caveat
Let him beware. A formal warning given by a party to a court or judge against the performance of certain acts
within his or her power and jurisdiction.

Aforementioned/ Aforesaid
Mentioned before, said before, named before.

Summary judgment
When the judge figures there's no need to go to trial, and decides the case.

Remand
To send back. For example, an appellate court may remand a case to a lower court for retrial.

Mens rea
Guilty mind. The intent to commit a crime.

Defamation
Making false, derogatory statements about a person to damage his reputation. Includes libel, which is written,
and slander, which is spoken.

Stipulation
An agreement between parties.

Expungement
A court order allowing the destruction or sealing of records of minors or adults, after the passage of a specified
period of time or when the person reaches a specified age and has not committed another offense.

Holographic
Entirely written, dated and signed in someone's own handwriting.

Incarceration
Imprisonment; confinement in a jail or penitentiary.

Indemnify
To compensate someone for a loss.

Pro se
In his own behalf. One who does not retain a lawyer and appears for himself in court.

Quantum meruit
What he deserves. It describes the extent of liability on a contract.

Quid pro quo

What for what. Applied in consideration of a contract.

Recognizance
An accused awaiting trial can be released without bail if he promises to appear before the court at the proper
time.

Ratio decidendi
The reason for the decision.
 Legal
Writing

Mars Vallejo
LLB - 1E