Legal Term Dictionary

Search our free database of thousands of legal terms. The easiest-to-read, most user-friendly guide to legal terms.This dictionary is from the early 20th century and is not to be construed as legal advice.

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  • SPECULATIVE DAMAGES
    See DAMAGES.
  • SPECULUM
    Lat. Mirror or looking-glass. The title of several of the most ancient law-books or compilations. One of the ancient Icelandic books is styled "Speculum Regale." -- SPEEDY EXECUTION. An execution which, by the direction of the judge at nisi prius, issues forthwith, or on some early day fixed upon by More...
  • SPEEDY TRIAL
    In criminal law. As secured by constitutional guaranties, a speedy trial means a trial conducted according to fixed rules, regulations, and proceedings of law, free from vexatious, capricious, and oppressive delays manufactured by the ministers of Justice. See People v. Hall, 51 App. Div. 57, 64 N. Y. Supp. 433; More...
  • SPELLING
    The formation of words by letters; orthography. Incorrect spelling does not vitiate a written Instrument if the intention clearly appears.
  • SPES ACCRESCENDI
    Lat. Hope of surviving. 3 Atk. 762 ; 2 Kent, Comm. 424. Spos est Tigilantis somninm. Hope is the dream of the vigilant 4 Inst. 203. Spes impnnitatis continnnm affectum tribuit delinquendi. The hope of impunity holds out a continual temptation to crime. 3 Inst 236.
  • SPENDTHRIFT
    A person who by excessive drinking, gaming, idleness, or debauchery of any kind shall so spend, waste, or lessen his estate as to expose himself or his family to want or suffering, or expose the town to charge or expense for the support of himself or family. Rev. St. Vt More...
  • SPERATE
    That of which there is hope. Thus a debt which one may hope to recover may be called "sperate," in opposition to "desperate." See 1 Chit. Pr. 520.
  • SPES RECUPERANDI
    Lat. The hope of recovery or recapture; the chance of retaking property captured at sea, which prevents the captors from acquiring complete ownership of the property until they have definitely precluded it by effectual measures. 1 Kent, Comm. 101.
  • SPIGURNEL
    The sealer of the royal writs.
  • SPINSTER
    The addition given, in legal proceedings, and In conveyancing, to a woman who never has been married.
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