legal education and writing

pro per

The term “pro per” is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “in propria persona,” meaning “in their own person,” and it refers to a situation where a litigant represents themselves, without a lawyer. Pro per is synonymous with the more commonly...

pro rata

Latin for “in proportion.” The term “pro rata” is used to denote proportional distributions or allocations. In a legal sense, pro rata may refer to a share to be received, an amount to be paid, or liability based on the fractional share of ownership,...

pro se

Pro se is Law Latin that means "for oneself." A litigant proceeds pro se when they choose to represent themselves in court, as opposed to litigating through a lawyer. See, e.g., Rivera v. Florida Department of Corrections, 526 U.S. 135 (1999...

pro tanto

Pro tanto is Latin phrase meaning “to that extent” or “for so much,” and it often refers to a partial satisfaction of a debt or claim. Example: In a negligence suit with multiple tortfeasors, a plaintiff may settle with one of the defendants...

pro tem

Pro Tem is an abbreviated form of Pro Tempore, a Latin phrase that means “for the time being.” The term is usually used with an office to note that the individual serving in that role is there temporarily. For instance, a judge pro tem is a judge...

pro tempore

Also pro tem. Latin word meaning for the time being.

proceeding

“Proceeding” refers to all methods of invoking the action of a court; any procedural means of seeking redress from a tribunal or agency; a step in a larger action; the regular progression of a lawsuit; a legal action.

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propria persona

Propria persona, often abbreviated as pro per, is a phrase referring to pro se litigants according to the US Courts. Pro se litigants are individuals representing themselves without the benefit of a lawyer.

Individuals who wish to represent...

protocol

A protocol is:

a collection of rules controlling the treatment and, in particular, the formatting of data in an electronic communications system.

a summary...

provocation

The act of provoking or inciting someone to do something. Generally, provocation does not act as a complete defense, but it can mitigate damages or culpability.

Homicide

“Provocation” is that which causes, at the time of...

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