practice. The act of making a speech before a court and jury, after all the evidence has been heard, in favor of one of the parties in the cause, is called summing up. When the judge delivers his charge to the jury, he is also said to sum up the evidence in the case. 2. In summing up, the judge should, with much precision and clearness, state the issues joined between the … [Read more...]

In old English law. A plow land. 1 Inst 5. … [Read more...]

practice. The act by which a defendant is notified by a competent officer, that an action has been instituted against him, and that he is required to answer to it at a time and place named. This is done either by giving the defendant a copy of the summons, or leaving it at his house; or by reading the summons to him. … [Read more...]

Latin term meaning "of its own kind" and used to describe an item that is unique or different than the normal. Not like anything else. In law it may be an exception such as a right or power that is created individually and specifically, in its own category. It is commonly used in case law: A "sui generis case" or a "sui generis authority" means that the decision in the case may … [Read more...]

Lat. In the civil law. One's own heirs; proper heirs. Inst 2, 19, 2. … [Read more...]