Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: select committee
Term: BRETHREN
Definition: Brethren means brothers, especially those who are considered spiritual kin or male colleagues on a court. For example, "my brethren argue in the dissent that my statutory interpretation is faulty." This term is used less often now that more women have entered the legal profession and judiciary. The female equivalent of brethren is sistren.
Definition: Brothers, especially those considered spiritual kin (such as male colleagues on a court).
Example: My brethren argue in the dissent that my statutory interpretation is faulty.
Explanation: In this example, "brethren" refers to male colleagues on a court who are considered spiritual kin. The term is used to refer to a group of men who share a common bond or purpose. However, the use of this term has decreased as more women have entered the legal profession and the judiciary.
Additional Example: The brethren of the monastery gathered for morning prayer.
Explanation: In this example, "brethren" refers to the male members of a monastery who are considered spiritual kin. The term is used to refer to a group of men who share a common religious bond and way of life.