possibility of reverter. A reversionary interest that is subject to a condition precedent; specif., a future interest retained by a grantor after conveying a fee simple determinable, so that the grantee’s estate terminates automatically and reverts to the grantor if the terminating event ever occurs. • In this type of interest, the grantor transfers an […]
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A promise, usu. in a sale-of-business, partnership, or employment contract, not to engage in the same type of business for a stated time in the same market as the buyer, partner, or employer. • Noncompetition covenants are valid to protect business goodwill in the sale of a company. In other contexts, they are generally disfavored
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The requirement that all joint tenants’ interests must be identical in nature, extent, and duration. — Also termed interest unity. [Cases: Joint Tenancy 1, 3. C.J.S. Estates § 19; Joint Tenancy§§ 2, 4, 6–15, 38–40.]
lease for life. Hist. A lease of land for the duration of a specified number of lives instead of for a specified term of years. • Unlike a tenant for a term of years, a lessee for life could recover the land if dispossessed. “The rent payable was usually fairly small, but a fine was
A tenancy in which the tenant holds possession with the landlord’s consent but without fixed terms (as for duration or rent); specif., a tenancy that is terminable at the will of either the transferor or the transferee and that has no designated period of duration. • Such a tenancy may be terminated by either party
deserter. Int’l law. A soldier who leaves national military service with the intention of reneging on military obligations either permanently or for the duration of a military operation; a person who illegally abandons a military force, often by seeking refuge in a foreign territory or by joining enemy forces. [Cases: Armed Services 38; Military Justice
Patents. A patent applicant’s statement shortening the term of the patent. • To revive an abandoned application for a design application or for a utility or plant application filed before June 8, 1995, the applicant must disclaim a period equal to the duration of abandonment. A terminal disclaimer may also be required in an application
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A sentence for a fixed length of time rather than for an unspecified duration. — Also termed definite sentence; definitive sentence; fixed sentence; flat sentence; straight sentence. [Cases: Sentencing and Punishment 1053–1054. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 1458, 1468, 1471, 1504–1505, 1511, 1570.]
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enlarge, vb. 1. To increase in size or extend in scope or duration (the court enlarged the time allotted for closing arguments). 2. To free from custody or imprisonment (at common law, an action for escape lay when a prisoner was wrongly enlarged). Cf. AT LARGE. — enlargement, n.
tempus (tem-p[schwa]s), n. [Latin] Hist. Time; a specified duration. tempus continuum (tem-p[schwa]s k[schwa]n-tin-yoo-[schwa]m), n. [Latin] Hist. Time continuing without interruption; a continuous period. tempus deliberandi (tem-p[schwa]s di-lib-[schwa]-ran-dI), n. [Latin] Hist. The period allowed for deliberation; esp., the time during which an heir could consider whether to accept or reject an inheritance. Cf. JUS DELIBERANDI. tempus