Legal Definitions - nothous

Nothous is an archaic legal term used to describe something that is spurious or illegitimate. In essence, it refers to something that purports to be genuine or valid but is, in fact, false, unauthorized, or not legally recognized.

• Example 1: A Forged Document

  Imagine a situation where a deed to a valuable piece of property is presented in court. The document appears to grant ownership to a specific individual. However, during the legal proceedings, it is discovered through expert analysis that the signatures on the deed are forgeries, and the document itself was fabricated long after the original owner had legally transferred the property to someone else.

  Explanation: In this context, the forged deed would be considered nothous because it is a spurious document. It falsely claims to be a legitimate legal instrument for transferring property, but its lack of authenticity renders it invalid and illegitimate.

• Example 2: An Illegitimate Claim of Inheritance

  Consider a historical scenario where, upon the death of a wealthy landowner, an individual comes forward claiming to be a long-lost child and rightful heir to the estate. However, after thorough investigation of birth records, family histories, and witness testimonies, it is conclusively proven that this individual has no biological or legal connection to the deceased landowner and fabricated their story to gain an inheritance.

  Explanation: The individual's claim to inheritance would be deemed nothous because it is illegitimate. Their assertion of being a rightful heir is false and without any genuine legal basis or factual foundation.

• Example 3: A Spurious Legal Argument

  Suppose a lawyer, in an attempt to defend their client, introduces a novel legal theory that has no basis in existing statutes, established case law, or constitutional principles. The argument is not supported by any recognized legal authority and appears to be an invention designed solely to create a loophole or mislead the court, rather than a genuine interpretation of the law.

  Explanation: Such a legal argument could be described as nothous because it is spurious. It lacks genuine legal foundation, is not a legitimate application of legal principles, and therefore holds no valid standing in a court of law.