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Term- suppressio veri Translation- suppression of the truth Definition- Willful concealment of the truth when bound to reveal it, such as withholding details of damage from an auto accident from a prospective buyer of the car in that accident. “Suppressio veri” is a…

Term- locus standi Translation- Place of standing Definition- The right of a party to appear and be heard before a court. “Locus standi” is a Latin term that means “standing to sue” or “the right to bring an action in court.” In a…

Term- suo moto Translation- of its own motion Definition- Refers to a court or other official agency taking some action on its own accord. Similar to sua sponte. “Suo moto” is a Latin term that means “on its own motion.” In a legal…

Term- terra nullius Translation- no one’s land Definition- Land that has never been part of a sovereign state, or land which a sovereign state has relinquished claim to. “Terra nullius” is a Latin term that means “land belonging to no one.” In a…

Term- sine die Translation- without day Definition- Used when the court is adjourning without specifying a date to re-convene. “Sine die” is a Latin term that means “without a day,” and it is often used in a legal context to indicate that a…

Term- res ipsa loquitur Translation- the thing speaks for itself Definition- used in tort law when there is no proof of what caused the harm, but it is most likely only the thing that could have caused the harm “Res ipsa loquitur” is…