duel. 1. TRIAL BY COMBAT. 2. A single combat; specif., a prearranged combat with deadly weapons fought between two or more persons under prescribed rules, usu. in the presence of at least two witnesses, to resolve a previous quarrel or avenge a deed. • In England and the United States, death resulting from a duel […]
normal school. A training school for public-school teachers. • Normal schools first appeared in the United States in the 1800s and were two-year post-high-school training programs for elementary-school teachers. At the turn of the century, normal schools expanded into four-year teaching colleges. Most of these institutions have developed into liberal arts colleges offering a wider
self-defense, n. 1. The use of force to protect oneself, one’s family, or one’s property from a real or threatened attack. • Generally, a person is justified in using a reasonable amount of force in self-defense if he or she believes that the danger of bodily harm is imminent and that force is necessary to
statement of work. A contractual provision or exhibit that defines what one party (e.g., the seller) is going to do for the other (e.g., the buyer). • The statement of work often covers such terms as (1) inspection and acceptance, (2) quality-assurance requirements, (3) packing and marking, (4) data requirements, and (5) training. There are
statement of fact. A form of conduct that asserts or implies the existence or nonexistence of a fact. • The term includes not just a particular statement that a particular fact exists or has existed, but also an assertion that, although perhaps expressed as an opinion, implies the existence of some fact or facts that
cosinage (k[schwa]z-[schwa]n-ij). Hist. A writ used by an heir to secure the right to land held by a great-great-grandfather or certain collateral relatives. — Also spelled cosenage; cousinage. — Also termed consanguineo; de consanguineo; de consanguinitate. Cf. AIEL; BESAYEL. “[T]here is the closest possible affinity between the Mort d’Ancestor and the action of Cosinage. If
declaratory-judgment act. A federal or state law permitting parties to bring an action to determine their legal rights and positions regarding a controversy not yet ripe for adjudication, as when an insurance company seeks a determination of coverage before deciding whether to cover a claim. 28 USCA §§ 2201, 2202. See declaratory judgment under JUDGMENT.
declaratory judgment act Read More »
loss-of-chance doctrine. A rule in some states providing a claim against a doctor who has engaged in medical malpractice that, although it does not result in a particular injury, decreases or eliminates the chance of surviving or recovering from the preexisting condition for which the doctor was consulted. — Also termed lost-chance doctrine; increased-risk-of-harm doctrine.
loss of chance doctrine Read More »
settlor (set-l[schwa]r). 1. A person who makes a settlement of property; esp., one who sets up a trust. — Also termed creator; donor; trustor; grantor; founder. [Cases: Trusts 8. C.J.S. Trover and Conversion § 19.] 2. A party to an instrument. — Also spelled (in both senses) settler.
bribery, n. The corrupt payment, receipt, or solicitation of a private favor for official action. • Bribery is a felony in most jurisdictions. See Model Penal Code § 240. 1. Cf. KICKBACK. [Cases: Bribery 1. C.J.S. Bribery §§ 2–3, 5–8, 10–11.] — bribe, vb. “If money has been corruptly paid and corruptly received, for the