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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  • LEADING CASE
    Among the various cases that are argued and determined in the courts, some, from their important character, have demanded more than usual attention from the judges, and from this circumstance are frequently looked upon as having settled or determined the law upon all points involved In such cases, and as More...
  • LEADING COUNSEL
    That ofle of two or more counsel employed on the same side in a cause who has the principal management of the cause.
  • LEADING QUESTION
    A question put or framed In such a form as to suggest the answer sought to be obtained by the person interrogating. Coogler v. Rhodes, 38 Fla. 240, 21 South. Ill, 56 Am. St. Rep. 170; Gunter v. Watson, 49 N. C. 456; Railway Co. v. Hammon, 92 Tex. 509, More...
  • LEAGUE
    1. A treaty of alliance between different states or parties. It may be offensive or defensive, or both. It is offensive when the contracting parties agree to unite in attacking a common enemy; defensive when the parties agree to act In concert in defending each other against an enemy. Wharton. More...
  • LEAKAGE
    The waste or diminution of a liquid caused by its leaking from the cask, barrel, or other vessel in which it Was placed. Also an allowance made to an importer of liquids, at the custom-house, in the collection of duties, for his loss sustained by the leaking of the liquid More...
  • LEAL
    L. Fr.. Loyal; that which belongs to the law. #
  • LEALTE
    L. Fr. Legality; the condition of a legalis homo, or lawful man.
  • LEAN
    To Incline in opinion or preference. A court is sometimes said to "lean against" a doctrine, construction, or view contended for, whereby it is meant that the oourt regards it with disfavor or repuguance, because of its inexpedience, injustice, or inconsistency.
  • LEAP-YEAR
    See BISSEXTILE.
  • LEARNED
    Possessing learning; erudite; versed in the law. In statutes prescribing the qualifications of judges, "learned in the law" designates one who has received a regular legal education, the almost invariable evidence of which is the fact of his admission to the bar. See Jamieson v. Wiggin, 12 S. D. 16, More...
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