Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: field notes
Laesio enormis is a legal term that means "excessive loss" or "abnormal loss of more than half." It was used in Roman and civil law to describe situations where a buyer paid less than half the real value of something they purchased, or where one party to a contract received twice the value of the other party's money or property. In these cases, the seller could rescind the sale, but the buyer could keep the item purchased by paying the full value. This doctrine was mostly used for land sales. In modern times, it is used to test the validity of contracts by their fairness.
Definition: Laesio enormis vel ultra dimidium is a legal term that refers to an excessive loss or abnormal loss of more than half. In Roman and civil law, it has two meanings:
In Louisiana, laesio enormis is also known as lesion beyond moiety.
Example: If John sells his house to Jane for $50,000, but the real value of the house is $100,000, then laesio enormis may exist. In this case, Jane paid less than half the real value of the house, and John could rescind the sale. However, if Jane wants to keep the house, she would have to pay the full value of $100,000.
Explanation: This example illustrates the first meaning of laesio enormis. John sold his house to Jane for less than half its real value, which is considered an excessive loss. Therefore, John could rescind the sale, but Jane could keep the house by paying the full value.