caucus (kaw-k[schwa]s), n. 1. Representatives from a political party who assemble to nominate candidates and decide party policy. [Cases: Elections 125. C.J.S. Elections § 104.] 2. A meeting of a group, usu. within a deliberative assembly, of people aligned by party or interest to formulate a policy or strategy. — caucus, vb. “The term caucus […]
Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes Within Africa. A 1991 treaty prohibiting the importation of hazardous wastes into Africa and restricting the transfer of wastes among African nations. • The treaty’s objectives are to protect human health and the environment from the
almoner (al-m[schwa]-n[schwa]r). A person charged with distributing the alms of a monarch, religious house, or other institution. • This office was first instituted in religious houses and although formerly one of importance is now almost a sinecure.
curia (kyoor-ee-[schwa]), n. [Latin] 1. Roman law. One of 30 divisions (three tribes of ten curiae) into which the Roman people were said to be divided by Romulus. See comitia curiata under COMITIA. 2. Roman law. A legislative gathering, esp. of the Roman Senate; the building used for the gathering. 3. Hist. A judicial tribunal
poenae secundarum nuptiarum (pee-nee sek-[schwa]n-dair-[schwa]m n[schwa]p-shee-air-[schwa]m). [Latin “penalties of second marriages”] Roman law. Disabilities that, for the protection of children of a first marriage, are imposed on a parent who remarries. “If either parent re-married, the interests of the children of the first marriage were protected (in the later Roman Empire) by a number of
poenae secundarum nuptiarum Read More »
particeps criminis (pahr-t[schwa]-seps krim-[schwa]-nis), n. [Latin “partner in crime”] 1. An accomplice or accessory. See ACCESSORY. Pl. participes criminis (pahr-tis-[schwa]-peez). [Cases: Criminal Law 59, 68. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 127, 137, 998.] “The courts of justice will allow the objection that the consideration of the contract was immoral or illegal to be made even by
particeps criminis Read More »
universitas rerum (yoo-ni-v[schwa]r-s[schwa]-tas reer-[schwa]m). [Latin] Roman & civil law. A whole collection of things; a variety of individual things that are together regarded by the law as a whole. See JUS RERUM. “In the time of Justinian the universitas rerum, or universitas iuris (both expressions are used) is a somewhat abstract conception: it means the
A broker who prepares paperwork for the entry or clearance of ships, and for the import or export of goods. — Also termed customs broker. [Cases: Customs Duties 60.5. C.J.S. Customs Duties §§ 56, 66–70.]
customhouse broker Read More »
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. A treaty designed to unify and streamline patent prosecutions and trademark applications among the signatories. • The Convention eased the harsh effects of the first-to-file priority rule by allowing an applicant in any member country one year in which to apply in other member countries while maintaining
paris convention for the protection of industrial property Read More »
delectus personae (di-lek-t[schwa]s p[schwa]r-soh-nee). [Latin “choice of the person”] The rule that when personal relations are important, a person cannot be compelled to associate with another person. • Based on this principle, a partner has the right to accept or reject a candidate proposed as a new partner.