The "actual malice" defines the level of proof needed to establish a libel case for defamatory statements made regarding public figures or public officials. Actual Malice requires intent or reckless disregard for the truth - "knowledge that the information was false" or published "with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not." Reckless disregard for the truth requires … [Read more...]

Latin meaning "absence". Usually used in terms such as "in absentia" or in the absence of the physical presence of a party. See also "death in absentia" and "trial in absentia". … [Read more...]

In old English law. Adultery. Termes de la Ley. … [Read more...]

The removal of a considerable quantity of soil from the land of one man, and its deposit upon or Annexation to the land of another, suddenly and by the perceptible action of water. 2 Washb. Real Prop. 452. The property of the part thus separated continues in the original proprietor, in which respect avulsion differs from alluvion, by which an addition is insensibly made to a … [Read more...]

In the civil law. A mother's brother. 2 Bl. Comm. 230. Avunculus magnus, a great uncle. Avunculus major, a great grandmother's brother. Avunculus maximum, a great great grandmother's brother. See Dig. 38, 10, 10; Inst. 3, 6, 2. … [Read more...]