Here are seven words and phrases that will make sense to only those in the legal profession:
Wobbler
In regular use, the word “wobbler” would make you think of someone doing the popular American line dance. However in legal terms, a wobbler refers to a case that is dealing with a charge that can be either a crime or a misdemeanor.
Recess
For most of us a recess brings back memories of the much welcome break between classes in school for eating or playing outside. But for lawyers, recess simply refers to a break in a trial or court proceedings.
Tort
Although pronounced similarly, a Tort definitely does not refer to the cake made with ground nuts or breadcrumbs and topped with rich frosting which is called a torte.
Tort, without the extra e, actually refers to anything that constitutes a wrongful act harming someone else and for which you are liable to be sued for damages.
Upstanding
In normal parlance, an upstanding person is someone who is honorable and respectable. In British law, however the phrase “be upstanding” is the cue for a courtroom audience to rise when the judge enters the room.
‘Religion loves SEX’
While this racy phrase can seem to be an odd addition to the list, it is actually a mnemonic for those studying for the bar. In US, Laws respecting religion are valid provided:
- they have a secular purpose
- their effect does not advances nor inhibits religion
- and they don’t cause “excessive government entanglement” with religion
Therefor
This term can be mistaken to be a misspelled version of “therefore.” However, it is a legalese term to say “for this” or “for that.”
Often thought as clunky and unnecessary, according to Legal Shield the word is rarely found outside of legal contracts.
Administratrix, executrix, prosecutrix, and testatrix
These terms are the feminine forms for common words like administrator or prosecutor, but are best avoided. As pointed out by legalwriting.net, they are “sexist, archaic, and hard to pronounce.”
