Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Ipsum Corpus: A Latin term used in Roman law that means "the thing itself". It usually refers to a specific item that needs to be given to someone who bought it or inherited it.
Definition: Ipsum corpus (ip-suhm kor-puh-suhss) is a Latin term used in Roman law. It refers to the thing itself, usually a specific item that needs to be delivered to a buyer or legatee.
Example: In a legal contract, the phrase "ipsum corpus" may be used to specify the exact item that is being sold or transferred, such as a piece of land or a valuable artwork.
Explanation: The example illustrates how "ipsum corpus" is used to refer to a specific item that is being transferred or sold. It emphasizes the importance of clarity and specificity in legal language.
Definition: IRA stands for Individual Retirement Account, which is a type of savings account that allows individuals to save for retirement with tax advantages.
Example: John opened an IRA account to save for his retirement. He contributes a portion of his income to the account each year and enjoys tax benefits on his contributions.
Explanation: The example illustrates how an IRA is a type of savings account that is specifically designed for retirement savings. It also highlights the tax advantages that come with contributing to an IRA.
Definition: IRAC is a mnemonic acronym used by law students and instructors to answer essay questions on law exams. It stands for Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion.
Example: When answering a law exam question, a student may use the IRAC method to structure their answer. They would first identify the issue, state the relevant rule, apply the rule to the facts of the case, and then draw a conclusion based on their analysis.
Explanation: The example illustrates how the IRAC method is used to structure a legal argument. It emphasizes the importance of organizing one's thoughts and arguments in a clear and logical manner when answering essay questions on law exams.