quantum meruit

Definition

Payment for services rendered based on what they're actually worth, used when no price was agreed upon beforehand. Latin for 'as much as he deserved,' it prevents unjust enrichment when someone benefits from your work.

Example Usage

The consultant sued for quantum meruit after completing the project but never signing the proposed contract.

Origin

Latin 'quantum meruit,' meaning 'as much as he/she deserved'

Fun Fact

Quantum meruit is the legal system's way of saying 'you can't have your cake, eat it too, and then refuse to pay the baker.'

Source: Contract law and equity principles

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interrogation

The formal process of asking questions to extract information, typically in law enforcement or intelligence contexts where 'conversation' would be too friendly a term. A structured interview where one party has all the power and the other has the right to remain silent. Distinguished from regular questioning by the presence of bright lights, recording equipment, and mounting legal consequences.

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judgment notwithstanding the verdict

A judge's decision to overrule a jury's verdict when no reasonable jury could have reached that conclusion. It's the judicial equivalent of 'I know what you said, but you're wrong,' and it's as rare as it sounds.

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petition

A formal written request that attempts to change someone's mind through the sheer weight of signatures, operating on the principle that democracy means whoever collects the most John Hancocks wins. In legal contexts, it's the official document that kicks off your journey through the judicial system. The modern equivalent involves clicking a button on Change.org and feeling like you've changed the world.

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disclose

To reveal information that was previously hidden, concealed, or confidential, often because you're legally required to do so. In legal contexts, it's the art of sharing exactly what you must while strategically withholding everything else. Failure to disclose can range from "minor procedural issue" to "enjoy your felony charge."

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shall

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power of attorney

A legal document authorizing someone to act on your behalf in legal or financial matters, essentially giving them the keys to your life. Choose wisely, or you might find your nephew has sold your house and moved to Tahiti.

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nfbsk

not for british school kids...