Legal Definitions - appose

Appose (verb)

Historically, to appose meant to engage in a rigorous form of questioning, often involving difficult or challenging inquiries. It also referred to the act of confronting someone directly with objections or criticisms. In a financial context, it meant to thoroughly examine books and accounts, similar to conducting an audit.

• Example 1: Interrogating with Difficult Questions

  During a historical royal commission investigating alleged corruption within the admiralty, a lead investigator might appose a high-ranking naval officer, pressing him with a series of intricate and challenging questions about the allocation of funds and the awarding of contracts. The goal was to uncover any inconsistencies or illicit dealings.

  This example illustrates "appose" as the act of subjecting someone to intense interrogation, using difficult questions to scrutinize their statements and actions.

• Example 2: Confronting with Objections

  In a 19th-century town hall debate concerning a controversial new public works project, a concerned citizen might rise to appose the mayor, presenting a detailed list of environmental and financial objections to the proposed plan, directly challenging its feasibility and potential impact.

  Here, "appose" signifies the act of confronting an individual with direct objections and arguments against their proposal or position.

• Example 3: Examining Books and Accounts (Auditing)

  When a wealthy landowner in the colonial era suspected his estate manager of embezzlement, he would dispatch a trusted clerk to appose the manager's ledgers, meticulously scrutinizing every receipt, expenditure, and income record to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of all financial transactions.

  This example demonstrates "appose" in the sense of thoroughly examining financial records or accounts, much like an audit, to ensure their integrity and correctness.