What is POFP?

Why do lawyers refer to long documents as briefs and
18-year olds as infants? Why do they use so much Latin when so few of their
clients are Ancient Romans? Is it a conspiracy?


Party of the First Part has the answers! Check out the Website for the
Legalese Hall of Shame; a glossary of legal words linked to Adam Freedman's
columns; tips on writing legal documents in plain English; and more!



Saturday, July 19, 2008

Word of the Week

Sua Sponte

Latin. Of its (his, her, their) own accord. This term refers to action taken by a court without being asked to do so by a party, e.g., The court dismissed the claim sua sponte.

Occasionally pronounced (at least by lawyers at my old firm) as "sua spumoni," which of course means "of his own Italian ice cream." Which reminds me, National Spumoni Day is coming up soon -- August 21!