RO glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every RO term in the Amicus glossary.

Road

/ˈroʊd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A public or private way for vehicle or pedestrian travel, often subject to legal rights and regulations concerning access, maintenance, and use.
    The city council approved funding for repairs on the main road leading to the courthouse.

Forms

  • roads

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'road' frequently denotes the physical pathway and encompasses statutory and common law considerations regarding ownership, maintenance, and rights of way.


Road Carriage

/ˈroʊd ˈkærɪɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A vehicle or conveyance designed for use on roads, typically for transporting goods or passengers.
    The contract specified liability for damage to the goods during road carriage.
  2. (n.) The act or process of transporting goods or passengers by road.
    Insurance covered the risks associated with the road carriage of cargo.

Forms

  • road carriage
  • road carriages

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'road carriage' may refer both to the vehicle itself and the contractual or statutory responsibilities arising from transporting goods or passengers by road. Draft clear terms to distinguish between physical conveyance and contractual carriage.


Road Safety

/ˈroʊd ˈseɪfti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The set of laws, regulations, and measures designed to prevent accidents and injuries on roads and highways.
    The government enacted new policies to improve road safety by reducing speeding and enhancing vehicle standards.

Forms

  • road safety

Commentary

Legally, road safety encompasses statutory obligations, regulatory frameworks, and liability issues that arise from road use; precise drafting should differentiate between preventative measures and post-incident legal responsibilities.


Road Traffic Accident

/ˈroʊd ˈtræfɪk ˈæksɪdənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An incident involving one or more vehicles on a road resulting in property damage, injury, or death, often investigated for legal liability and insurance claims.
    The road traffic accident caused a major delay on the highway and led to a personal injury lawsuit.

Forms

  • road traffic accident
  • road traffic accidents

Commentary

The term is primarily used in tort and insurance law contexts; clarify the nature of fault and liability when drafting related documents.


Road Transportation

/ˈroʊd ˌtrænspərˈteɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal framework governing the carriage of goods and passengers by vehicles on public roads, including regulations on licensing, safety, liability, and tariffs.
    The contract for road transportation stipulated the carrier's liability limits in case of damage to the cargo.

Forms

  • road transportation

Commentary

Road transportation laws often intersect with vehicle regulations and contract law, making clarity on obligations and liabilities essential in drafting.


Roadway

/ˈroʊdˌweɪ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The part of a highway intended for vehicular travel, including all lanes and shoulders accessible to vehicles.
    The county is responsible for maintaining the roadway to ensure safety for all drivers.
  2. (n.) In eminent domain law, the portion of land dedicated or deeded for public vehicular use.
    The government acquired the roadway to expand the public transportation system.

Commentary

In drafting, clarify whether 'roadway' refers strictly to the travel surface or includes adjacent features to avoid ambiguity in statutory and contract language.


Robbery

/ˈrɒbəri/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The unlawful taking of property from a person or their immediate presence by force or intimidation.
    The defendant was charged with robbery after forcibly taking a purse from a pedestrian.

Forms

  • robberies

Commentary

Robbery is distinct from theft in requiring force or intimidation; precise definitions and elements vary by jurisdiction.


Robert's Rules of Order

/ˈrɒbərts rulz əv ˈɔrdər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A widely adopted manual of parliamentary procedure governing the conduct of meetings and decision-making processes in deliberative assemblies.
    The board followed Robert's Rules of Order to maintain decorum during the contentious meeting.

Forms

  • robert's rules of order

Commentary

Robert's Rules of Order provides procedural guidelines to ensure fairness and order in meetings; legal drafters often reference it to structure corporate and organizational governance documents.


Robinson-Patman Act

/ˈrɒbɪnsənˈpætəm ækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A U.S. federal law enacted in 1936 that prohibits anticompetitive practices by producers, specifically forbidding price discrimination that lessens competition or creates a monopoly.
    The Robinson-Patman Act aims to prevent large buyers from receiving unfair price advantages over smaller competitors.

Forms

  • robinson-patman act
  • robinson-patman acts

Commentary

Focuses on protecting competition and small businesses from unfair price discrimination; enforcement can involve complex economic analysis of pricing practices.


Robocall

/ˈroʊboʊˌkɔːl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An automated telephone call that delivers a prerecorded message, often used for telemarketing or informational purposes, sometimes regulated by law.
    The company was fined for making illegal robocalls without prior consent.

Forms

  • robocall
  • robocalls

Commentary

Robocalls are subject to strict legal regulations to protect consumer privacy, especially under statutes like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act in the U.S.


Role

/roʊl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The function or position held by a person or entity within a legal context, often defining duties, rights, or responsibilities.
    The lawyer assumed the role of legal advisor during the corporate merger.
  2. (n.) A named part taken by a party in legal proceedings, such as plaintiff, defendant, or witness.
    Each party in the trial played a specific role in presenting evidence.

Forms

  • roles

Commentary

In legal drafting, specifying a party's role clarifies their responsibilities and rights, helping avoid ambiguity.


Roll

/ˈroʊl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A written scroll or list, often containing legal records or documents.
    The court clerk produced the roll containing all the trial transcripts.
  2. (n.) The official record of names, such as jury roll or roll of voters.
    The jury roll was checked before the trial commenced.
  3. (v.) To record or enroll names or information on an official list.
    The registrar will roll all eligible voters before the election.
  4. (v.) To move something by turning it over and over on a surface, occasionally relevant in property law (e.g., rolling deeds).
    The tenant rolled the lease papers into a tube for delivery.

Forms

  • rolls
  • rolling
  • rolled

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'roll' often refers to official lists or records; as a verb, it usually means to enter names onto these lists rather than the general physical action.


Roll Call

/ˈroʊl kɔːl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official calling of the names of members in a legislative or deliberative assembly to determine attendance or to vote.
    The chairman conducted a roll call to ensure all members were present before starting the session.

Forms

  • roll calls

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'roll call' is often associated with parliamentary procedure and voting, emphasizing precise member attendance records.


Roll of Attorneys

/ˈroʊl əv əˈtɜrniz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official list or register of attorneys authorized to practice law before a specific court or jurisdiction.
    The clerk checked the roll of attorneys to confirm the lawyer's eligibility to appear before the court.

Forms

  • roll of attorney

Commentary

The 'roll of attorneys' serves as formal proof of an attorney's admission to practice, often maintained by a court or bar authority; it is distinct from informal lists or directories.


Roll of Members

/ˈroʊl əv ˈmɛmbərz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official list of individuals entitled to vote or participate in a corporate or organizational body.
    The roll of members was updated before the annual general meeting to confirm eligibility to vote.

Forms

  • roll of members
  • roll of member

Commentary

The roll of members is usually maintained by the secretary of a corporation or organization and is critical for validating voting rights and membership status in legal and procedural contexts.


Rolling Admission

/ˈroʊlɪŋ ədˈmɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A type of admissions process in which an institution evaluates applications as they arrive rather than after a fixed deadline.
    The university offers rolling admission, so applicants can apply throughout the year.

Forms

  • rolling admission

Commentary

Typically used in educational law contexts governing school admission policies; important to distinguish from regular or early admission deadlines.


Rolling Records

Definitions

  1. (n.) A series of records or logs continuously maintained in chronological order, especially in legal or financial contexts to track transactions, events, or documents.
    The company's rolling records ensured all transactions were documented without interruption.

Forms

  • rolling record

Commentary

Often used in contexts requiring continuous updating, such as compliance or audit processes.


Rollover

/ˈrɒləʊvər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act of transferring the balance of a loan or investment to a new account or instrument, usually to avoid penalty or extend the term.
    The borrower opted for a rollover of the loan to secure better interest rates.
  2. (n.) In insurance, the process by which the proceeds of a matured policy are reinvested in a new policy or annuity.
    The policyholder requested a rollover of the matured life insurance policy into an annuity.
  3. (n.) In tax and retirement contexts, moving funds from one tax-advantaged account to another without triggering tax liability.
    He completed a rollover of his 401(k) into an IRA to consolidate his retirement savings.

Forms

  • rollover
  • rollovers

Commentary

Rollover frequently appears in finance, insurance, and tax law; clarity in drafting requires specifying the context to avoid ambiguity.


Roman Curia

/ˈroʊmən ˈkjʊərɪə/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The central administrative body of the Roman Catholic Church, through which the Pope governs the Church.
    The Roman Curia issues guidelines that affect dioceses worldwide.

Commentary

The Roman Curia functions as the Holy See's administrative apparatus and is distinct from ecclesiastical courts or diocesan governance; precision in referring to specific dicasteries within it is essential for legal clarity.


Roman Republic

/ˈroʊmən rɪˈpʌblɪk/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An ancient constitutional system of governance in Rome characterized by a mixed regime with elected magistrates, the Senate, and popular assemblies.
    The Roman Republic laid foundational principles for modern republicanism and legal frameworks.

Commentary

The term refers specifically to the historic state and legal-political system of ancient Rome preceding the empire; distinguishing it from Roman law and the Roman Empire is important in legal and historical contexts.


Romantic Relationship

/ˈroʊmæn.tɪk rɪˈleɪʃən.ʃɪp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally significant interpersonal association characterized by emotional and/or sexual intimacy, potentially affecting rights such as property, custody, or spousal benefits.
    The court considered the nature of their romantic relationship when adjudicating custody.

Forms

  • romantic relationships

Commentary

Legal recognition of romantic relationships varies by jurisdiction; clear terminology aids in addressing associated rights and obligations.


Rome Statute

/ˈroʊm ˈstætʃuːt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC), setting out its functions, jurisdiction, and structure.
    The Rome Statute was adopted in 1998 to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Forms

  • rome statute

Commentary

Commonly referenced as the cornerstone legal instrument for the ICC; drafters should specify if referencing amendments or related protocols.


Rome Treaties

/ˈroʊm triːtiz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Foundational agreements establishing the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community in 1957.
    The Rome Treaties laid the groundwork for what is now the European Union.

Forms

  • rome treaties
  • rome treaty

Commentary

The term refers collectively to the two treaties signed in Rome in 1957; precise reference often depends on context.


Roofing

/ˈruːfɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Material and work involved in constructing or repairing a roof, often addressed in construction and property law.
    The contractor was liable for defects in the roofing under the construction contract.

Forms

  • roofings

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'roofing' primarily refers to both materials and labor related to roofing work, frequently encountered in construction law and property disputes.


Room

/ˈruːm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A physically bounded space within a building, relevant in property law and leasing agreements.
    The tenant agreed to rent the room for one year.
  2. (n.) Scope or opportunity for legal action or negotiation.
    The contract allows room for amendment upon mutual consent.

Forms

  • rooms

Commentary

Legal usage often distinguishes 'room' as physical space and as metaphorical opportunity; clarity in contracts is advised when using the latter.


Rooming House

/ˈruːmɪŋ ˌhaʊs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A residential building where lodging is provided for rent, typically featuring shared facilities and rented rooms to multiple tenants.
    The tenant signed a lease to rent a room in the rooming house.

Forms

  • rooming house
  • rooming houses

Commentary

Rooming houses are often regulated distinctly from boarding houses and apartments, requiring specific attention to shared facilities and tenant rights in drafting and interpretation.


Root Cause Analysis

/ˈruːt kɔːz əˈnæləsɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A systematic process used in legal and regulatory contexts to identify the fundamental cause of a problem, incident, or non-compliance.
    The attorney recommended performing a root cause analysis to determine why the contract breach occurred.

Forms

  • root cause analysis
  • root cause analyses

Commentary

In legal drafting and investigation, root cause analysis helps clarify underlying issues beyond surface-level symptoms, often informing liability and remedial strategies.


Root Out

/ˈruːt aʊt/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To identify and eliminate a person, group, or influence deemed undesirable or illegal, often within an organization or jurisdiction.
    The agency worked diligently to root out corruption within the department.

Forms

  • root out
  • roots out
  • rooted out
  • rooting out

Commentary

Often used in legal contexts to describe proactive measures to detect and remove unlawful or unethical elements.


Roster

/ˈrɒstər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official list, especially of personnel or entities eligible or assigned for a particular role or duty.
    The courtroom judge reviewed the roster of eligible jurors before selecting the jury.
  2. (n.) A register or record of names used for administrative or legal purposes, such as military or employment records.
    The attorney requested the military roster to verify the defendant’s service dates.

Forms

  • roster
  • rosters

Commentary

In legal contexts, a roster often serves as an authoritative record for roles or eligibility, crucial when verifying party qualifications or assignments.


Rotation

/roʊˈteɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The scheduled or systematic change of duties, positions, or officers, often to ensure fairness or operational efficiency.
    The company implemented a rotation of board members every two years.
  2. (n.) The act of transferring responsibilities or privileges from one person or entity to another in a predetermined order.
    Rotation of judges on the appellate panel helps prevent bias.

Commentary

In legal contexts, rotation often refers to the orderly substitution or cyclical change of officeholders, judges, or duties to maintain impartiality or compliance with procedural rules.


Roth 401

/ˈrɒθ ˈfɔːr.oʊ ˈwʌn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A type of retirement savings account within a 401(k) plan allowing after-tax contributions with tax-free qualified withdrawals.
    She contributed her bonuses to a Roth 401 to benefit from tax-free growth.

Forms

  • roth 401

Commentary

Often confused with Roth IRA, Roth 401 allows higher contribution limits and is employer-sponsored, important to distinguish in legal and tax contexts.


Roth Ira

/ˈrɒθ ˌaɪˈɑːr.eɪ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A type of individual retirement account allowing tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals if certain conditions are met, funded with after-tax dollars.
    She contributed to her Roth IRA to benefit from tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Forms

  • roth ira

Commentary

Use 'Roth IRA' to distinguish from traditional IRAs as tax treatment and qualification requirements differ.


Route

/ˈruːt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A method or course of action prescribed or established by law or regulation for accomplishing a legal process or procedure.
    The plaintiff filed the claim following the administrative route provided by statute.
  2. (n.) A prescribed path or channel for serving legal documents or delivering notices.
    Service of process must follow the designated route to ensure proper notice.
  3. (n.) A course or channel through which an appeal or legal proceeding may be brought or progressed.
    The defendant sought a route to appeal the lower court’s decision.

Forms

  • routes

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'route' often refers to procedural pathways or formal channels rather than mere physical paths; clarity in drafting should distinguish procedural routes from literal or logistical meanings.


Routine

/ˈruːtiːn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A regularized practice, procedure, or sequence of operations, often established by law or internal regulation for consistent administration.
    The court followed a routine procedure for submitting evidence.
  2. (adj.) Describing acts or processes that are customary, standard, or performed without special attention in legal contexts.
    The judge issued a routine order to adjourn the hearing.

Forms

  • routines

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'routine' often distinguishes standardized process from discretionary or extraordinary measures.


Royal

/ˈrɔɪəl/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Relating to a king, queen, or monarch's authority, status, or prerogatives.
    The royal decree established new regulations for land ownership.
  2. (adj.) Pertaining to the government or powers exercised by a reigning sovereign or monarchy in law.
    Royal assent is required for a bill to become law in some constitutional monarchies.

Commentary

Often used in constitutional law to denote powers or actions derived from a monarch's authority; drafting should clearly distinguish 'royal' as relating to monarchical sovereignty rather than merely ceremonial status.


Royal Assent

/ˈrɔɪəl əˈsɛnt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Formal approval by a monarch or sovereign to enact a bill into law.
    The bill became law after receiving royal assent from the monarch.

Forms

  • royal assent
  • royal assents

Commentary

Royal assent is a constitutional formality in many monarchies, marking the final step in the legislative process before a bill becomes law.


Royal Charter

/ˈrɔɪəl ˈtʃɑːrtər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal document issued by a monarch granting rights, powers, or privileges to an individual, corporation, or institution.
    The university was established by royal charter in the 19th century.
  2. (n.) A legal instrument constituting the foundation and governance framework of a corporate body or entity.
    The company's governance is defined by its royal charter.

Forms

  • royal charters

Commentary

Royal charters are historically significant in establishing corporations and institutions, often requiring careful review to ensure alignment with current statutory law.


Royal Commission

/ˈrɔɪəl kəˈmɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official public inquiry established by a government to investigate and report on a particular issue of public importance, often endowed with broad investigative powers.
    The government appointed a royal commission to investigate the causes of the financial crisis.

Forms

  • royal commission
  • royal commissions

Commentary

A royal commission typically has greater authority and independence than other forms of inquiry, often created by letters patent under the Crown's prerogative.


Royal Decree

/ˈrɔɪəl dɪˈkriː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An authoritative order or proclamation issued by a monarch or sovereign, carrying the force of law.
    The new taxation policy was established by a royal decree.

Forms

  • royal decree
  • royal decrees

Commentary

Royal decrees typically have immediate legal effect and reflect the sovereign's authority; drafters should ensure clarity in scope and binding conditions.


Royal Forest

/ˈrɔɪəl ˈfɒrɪst/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A historically designated area of land in England and Wales subject to special legal rules protecting game and vegetation for royal hunting purposes.
    The royal forest was governed by forest law, distinct from common law governing other lands.

Forms

  • royal forest
  • royal forests

Commentary

The term 'royal forest' refers specifically to legal jurisdictions rather than ordinary woodland; it is a historical legal designation involving forest law rather than a purely geographical or environmental concept.


Royal Prerogative

/ˈrɔɪəl prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A body of customary authority, privilege, and immunity, recognized in common law and vested in the Crown, allowing executive actions without parliamentary consent.
    The royal prerogative enables the government to declare war without parliamentary approval.

Commentary

Royal prerogatives vary by jurisdiction and are subject to judicial review and statutory limitation in modern constitutional monarchies.


Royal Proclamation

/ˈrɔɪəl ˌprɒkləˈmeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal public announcement issued by a monarch or sovereign authority, often with legal effect.
    The Royal Proclamation of 1763 set new policies for colonial governance.
  2. (n.) A specific historic document by the British Crown asserting control or rights over territories or peoples.
    The Royal Proclamation of 1763 is a foundational document in Canadian indigenous law.

Forms

  • royal proclamation
  • royal proclamations

Commentary

In legal drafting, distinguish between generic royal proclamations and historically significant specific proclamations, which may carry unique legal weight.


Royal Revenue

/ˈrɔɪəl ˈrɛvəˌnuː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Income or receipts collected by a sovereign or state, usually derived from taxes, fees, or profits of crown lands and other state-controlled resources.
    The royal revenue funded the maintenance of the kingdom's armed forces.
  2. (n.) In historical contexts, the portion of national income reserved for the monarchy or ruling sovereign, distinct from private estates.
    During medieval times, royal revenue was critical to the monarch's ability to exert authority over vassals.

Forms

  • royal revenue
  • royal revenues

Commentary

Royal revenue typically refers to monies accruing directly to the sovereign or state, highlighting its historical and fiscal significance in legal and constitutional contexts.


Royally

/ˈrɔɪəli/

Definitions

  1. (adv.) In a manner relating to or befitting a monarch or sovereign, often implying authority or grandeur.
    The treaty was royally sanctioned by the crown.

Commentary

Used primarily to describe acts or approvals emanating from or associated with monarchy or sovereign authority in legal contexts.


Royalty

/ˈrɔɪəlti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A payment made to the owner of intellectual property for the ongoing use of that property, such as patents, copyrights, or mineral rights.
    The author receives a royalty for each book sold.
  2. (n.) The group of sovereign rulers or members of a royal family.
    The event was attended by members of the royalty from various countries.

Forms

  • royalties

Commentary

In legal drafting, clarify the type of royalty (e.g., copyright vs. mineral) to avoid ambiguity in contracts.


Royalty Agreement

/ˈrɔɪəlti əˌɡriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A contract granting rights to use intellectual property or natural resources in exchange for a percentage of revenue or profit.
    The author signed a royalty agreement to receive a portion of book sales.
  2. (n.) An agreement outlining periodic payments made to the owner of a patent, copyright, or trademark by a licensee.
    The music producer negotiated a royalty agreement with the streaming service.

Forms

  • royalty agreement
  • royalty agreements

Commentary

Royalty agreements must clearly define payment terms, royalty bases, and calculation methods to avoid disputes.


Royalty Collection

/ˈrɔɪəlti kəˈlɛkʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process or act of receiving payments (royalties) from authorized use of intellectual property rights such as patents, copyrights, or trademarks.
    The publishing company manages royalty collection from book sales worldwide.

Forms

  • royalty collection
  • royalty collections

Commentary

Royalty collection typically involves monitoring and enforcing licenses to ensure proper compensation for IP owners.


Royalty Interest

/ˈrɔɪəlti ˈɪntrəst/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal right to receive a portion of the production or revenue from natural resources such as oil, gas, or minerals on land owned by another party.
    The landowner retained a royalty interest in the oil extracted from his property.
  2. (n.) A contractual right to receive payments based on the use or sale of intellectual property, such as patents, copyrights, or trademarks.
    The author negotiated a royalty interest in the book’s future sales.

Forms

  • royalty interest
  • royalty interests

Commentary

In drafting, clearly distinguish between royalty interests in natural resources and those in intellectual property to avoid ambiguity.


Royalty Payment

/ˈrɔɪəlti ˈpeɪmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A payment made to an owner or rights holder for the ongoing use of their intellectual property, natural resources, or franchise rights.
    The author receives a royalty payment for each copy of her book sold.

Forms

  • royalty payment
  • royalty payments

Commentary

Royalty payments are typically specified in contracts and often calculated as a percentage of revenue or a fixed amount per unit sold.

Glossary – RO Terms