The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The Latin term non compos mentis translates as “not of sound mind.” In the legal system, the term is used to refer to an inability to think clearly, or to make decisions, usually due to mental illness. Someone who is non compos mentis may not be responsible for his or her actions. To explore this concept, consider the following non […]
Read moreThe Latin term ipso facto translates as “the fact by itself.” It is used in science, philosophy, and law to refer to something that, by the fact that it exists – or that it occurred – means something else is true. For example, if you grew up in San Francisco, ipso facto you’re a Californian. By the very fact of […]
Read moreThe courts, in the U.S. legal system, do not have carte blanc to do whatever they please when cases are brought before them. In order to help ensure that the laws are applied fairly, there are certain rules and procedures that must be enforced when a court hears any case, whether civil or criminal. This set of laws, rules, and […]
Read moreThe plain view doctrine allows a police officer to take any evidence of a crime or contraband that is found in plain sight during a normal observation. The police officer does not need a warrant in such a case to collect that evidence. For example, the plain view doctrine is used often during screenings of passengers at U.S. airports by […]
Read moreThe Latin term nolo contendere, better known as “no contest,” is one possible plea to a criminal charge. A “no contest” plea is very similar to a guilty plea. However, the difference here is that a defendant who enters a nolo contendere plea agrees to be convicted and punished for a crime, while not actually admitting that he is guilty. […]
Read moreA non-custodial parent is one who does not have custody of his or her children. While a non-custodial parent may enjoy visitation with the children, and may even be actively involved in their lives, the children do not actually live with the non-custodial parent. This means that a non-custodial parent does not have primary physical custody of his or her […]
Read moreThe term pendente lite is a Latin term that translates to mean “pending the litigation.” For example, pendente lite is used to describe court orders that are put into effect while litigation is still pending, in order to facilitate fair administration of justice. Pendente lite orders are most commonly issued in divorce actions. In divorce actions, pendente lite orders are […]
Read moreThe term legatee refers to any person or entity that receives an inheritance from a will. This would include anyone from long, lost relatives, to a charitable foundation — essentially anyone, or any entity, to whom the person making the will chose to leave his assets. To explore this concept, consider the following legatee definition. Definition of Legatee Pronounced leg-uh-tee […]
Read moreA mortgagee is either a bank or an individual that lends money to a borrower, for the purpose of purchasing or refinancing a home or other real property. By placing a mortgage on the property, the lender ensures that it will receive repayment for the money lent. If those payments are not made by the mortgagor (the borrower), the lender […]
Read moreA mortgage is security for a loan that is given to a borrower who needs the money to purchase or refinance a home. The mortgagor is the borrower who makes payments to the lender, in return for the lender lending him the money. The mortgage is not the act of loaning the money to the borrower, but is the security […]
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