Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: coastal-state control
Term: MELIORIBUS DAMNIS
Definition: Melioribus damnis means "of the better damages" in Law Latin. It is used when a jury mistakenly awards separate damages against two or more defendants for a joint tort. In this situation, the plaintiff can choose to take judgment against the defendant that has been assessed the greatest damages and then drop the case against the others.
Definition: Melioribus damnis is a legal term that refers to a plaintiff's choice of which defendant to take judgment against when the jury has mistakenly awarded separate damages against two or more defendants for a joint tort. The plaintiff can choose to take judgment against the defendant that has been assessed the greatest damages and then enter a nolle prosequi against the others.
Example: In a case where two drivers were involved in a car accident, and the jury awarded separate damages against both drivers, the plaintiff can choose to take judgment against the driver who caused the most damage and then drop the case against the other driver.
Explanation: This legal term is used in situations where multiple defendants are involved in a joint tort, and the jury mistakenly awards separate damages against each defendant. The plaintiff can choose to take judgment against the defendant who caused the most damage and then drop the case against the other defendants. This helps to ensure that the plaintiff receives fair compensation for their damages.