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LEGAL DICTIONARY
WESTLAW INFORMATION 31
Here are brief definitions of legal terms you’re likely to
encounter in law school. For complete definitions of these
and more than 40,000 other terms, see the Black’s Law
Dictionary database (BLACKS) on Westlaw.
actus reus Guilty act. A wrongful deed; generally coupled
with mens rea to establish criminal liability.
amicus curiae Friend of the court. An individual or
organization not party to a lawsuit but allowed to petition
the court or requested by the court to file a brief in the
action because of a strong interest in the subject matter.
bona fide In good faith. 1. Made in good faith, without
fraud or deceit (e.g., bona fide offer). 2. Compliant with
the law (e.g., bona fide pension plan). 3. Sincere or
genuine (e.g., bona fide signature).
brevet A privilege, such as a patent, granted to a private
citizen by a government. In military law, a commission
promoting an officer to a higher rank but without a
corresponding pay increase.
caveat emptor Let the buyer beware. A doctrine holding
that purchasers buy at their own risk.
certiorari To be more fully informed. An extraordinary
writ issued by an appellate court, at its discretion,
directing a lower court to deliver the record in the case for
review.
chattel Movable or transferable property; especially
personal property.
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