Legal Definitions - C.J.S.

C.J.S. stands for Corpus Juris Secundum. It is a comprehensive legal encyclopedia that provides a systematic and detailed overview of American law. Organized alphabetically by legal topic, C.J.S. summarizes legal principles, rules, and doctrines, drawing from a vast collection of court decisions and statutes. It serves as a valuable secondary source for legal researchers, offering a starting point to understand a particular area of law and directing them to the primary legal authorities (like court cases and statutes) that support the stated principles.

Here are some examples of how Corpus Juris Secundum might be used:

• Example 1: A law student is tasked with writing a research paper on the legal concept of "adverse possession." To gain a foundational understanding of the elements, historical development, and variations of this doctrine across different jurisdictions, the student consults Corpus Juris Secundum. The C.J.S. entry on "Adverse Possession" provides a structured explanation, outlining the general rules and citing key cases and statutes that define the concept.

  This illustrates C.J.S. as a starting point for legal research, providing a broad overview and guiding the student to more specific primary sources.

• Example 2: An attorney who primarily practices family law is asked by a client about a potential claim related to a construction defect in their new home. While not an expert in construction law, the attorney needs to quickly grasp the fundamental legal principles governing such disputes, including potential causes of action and available remedies. The attorney turns to Corpus Juris Secundum to find the relevant sections on "Building and Construction Contracts" or "Products Liability," which offer a concise summary of the legal landscape before deciding whether to take the case or refer it.

  Here, C.J.S. acts as a quick reference tool for a legal professional to get up to speed on an unfamiliar area of law, providing context and direction for further, more specialized research.

• Example 3: A paralegal is assisting a senior attorney who is preparing for oral arguments in a complex commercial litigation case involving contract interpretation. The paralegal needs to ensure that the attorney's arguments align with generally accepted legal principles regarding contract formation and breach. By reviewing the "Contracts" title in Corpus Juris Secundum, the paralegal can quickly confirm the prevailing legal standards and identify any nuances or exceptions that might be relevant to the case, ensuring the attorney's arguments are well-grounded in established law.

  This demonstrates C.J.S.'s utility in verifying and reinforcing understanding of established legal principles, ensuring that legal arguments are consistent with the broader body of American law.