The term vested describes a right, interest, or title that is absolute, fixed, and not subject to being taken away or “divested.” When a right is vested, the person with the right has a guaranteed legal claim or entitlement that can be...
legal education and writing
vestigial words
Vestigial words are words and phrases that technically appear in the text of older statutes but no longer have any meaning or significance because more recent amendments or statutes have eliminated their effect or what the words/phrases...
viz.
Viz. is a Latin abbreviation of videlicet, meaning "that is to say."
The term viz is sometimes used to mean any of the following: "namely," "that is to say," "as follows," or "to wit." After making a statement, a comma may...
warrantless
Warrantless means that government officers carry out a search or arrest without a warrant or any other legal authorization. The requirement of a warrant serves to protect individuals’ privacy interests against unreasonable governmental...
whiteacre
Whiteacre is a fictional plot of land often used by legal scholars in discussions of real property law.
See also: blackacre
[Last updated in July of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]
words of art
Words of art is a reference to terminology with a meaning that is specific to a particular profession, art, science, technology, or other field; or jargon that is only known to those who have a particular occupation.
For...
yield
To yield is to give something up or surrender control, especially when required by law. For example, to stop in order to allow other vehicles or pedestrians to go past -- the right-of-way.
To yield is also to bring forth a result, as when a search...
Your Honor
Your Honor is the traditional way to address a judge. It is used as a sign of respect. The honorific typically appears in court proceedings.
The term is sometimes controversial, as some see it as a title of “nobility” that...