Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: CAUSA
Definition: Causa is a Latin term that means reason or cause. In Roman law, it was used to refer to the reason for which some judicial measures were introduced by the praetor. It can also mean the subjective motive, intention, or purpose of a person. In civil law, causa refers to consideration or inducement. It is a necessary cause without which the thing cannot be or the event would not have occurred. Falsa causa means mistaken reason or motive, and causa non secuta means failure of consideration.
Definition: Causa is a Latin term that has different meanings in different contexts. In Roman law, it refers to the reason or motive for which some judicial measures were introduced by the praetor. It can also mean a consideration or inducement in civil law.
Examples:
For example, causa proxima refers to the immediate or latest cause of an event. If a car accident happened because the driver was texting while driving, the causa proxima of the accident would be the driver's distraction. On the other hand, causa sine qua non refers to the necessary cause without which the event would not have occurred. If a building collapsed because of a faulty foundation, the causa sine qua non of the collapse would be the faulty foundation.
In civil law, causa can mean a consideration or inducement. For instance, if someone promises to pay you $100 if you mow their lawn, the causa of the promise would be the consideration of mowing the lawn.