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The refusal or intentional omission of a person who has been duly cited before a court to appear and defend the charge laid against him, or, if he is duly before the court to obey some lawful order or direction made in the cause. In the former case It is called "presumed" contumacy; in the latter, "actual." The term is chiefly used in ecclesiastical law. See 3 Curt. Ecc. 1. … [Read more...] about CONTUMACY

One accused of a crime who refuses to appear and answer to the charge. An outlaw. … [Read more...] about CONTUMAX

In medical jurisprudence. A bruise; an injury to any external part of the body by the impact of a fall or the blow of a blunt Instrument, without laceration of the flesh, and either with or without a tearing of the skin, but in the former case it is more properly called a "contused wound." … [Read more...] about CONTUSION

Latin: In the civil law. A co-tutor, or co-guardian. Inst. 1, 24, I. … [Read more...] about CONTUTOR

Where the plaintiff's own negligence in an accident is partially responsible (the proximate cause) of the injury suffered. It is a common law defense to a claim based on negligence, an action in tort. A defendant to an accident lawsuit by a plaintiff may claim that the absolute defense that the plaintiff's own negligent conduct contributed to and may have been the primary cause … [Read more...] about CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE