Browse full definitions for every SI term in the Amicus glossary.
/sɪk/
The contract stated, "This is the best policy ever signed [sic]."
Used primarily in legal writing to denote transcription errors or peculiarities in quoted material, ensuring accuracy and clarity in citations.
/ˈsɪk/
The employee provided a doctor's note to justify being sick and unable to attend work.
Under the employment contract, the worker was entitled to paid sick leave.
The term 'sick' in legal contexts typically relates to inability to perform duties due to health and entitlements arising therefrom, such as sick leave or medical excuses.
/ˈsɪk liːv/
She applied for sick leave after suffering from the flu.
Sick leave policies often vary by jurisdiction and employer; clarity in duration, pay, and eligibility is essential when drafting related provisions.
/ˈsɪkənɪŋ/
The defendant’s sickening conduct shocked the jury.
Typically used descriptively in legal contexts to emphasize the egregiousness of conduct rather than as a technical legal term.
/ˈsɪkər/
The sicker granted the lender a security interest in the inventory.
The term 'sicker' often appears in secured transactions contexts; ensure it is not confused with the unrelated common adjective 'sicker.' Usage is specialized to identify the debtor granting a security interest.
The patient was the sickest in the ward, requiring constant care.
Primarily an informal superlative adjective; rarely used in formal legal discourse except in medical-legal contexts such as personal injury or disability claims.
/ˈsɪk.aʊt/
The union organized a sickout to pressure management during contract negotiations.
A sickout is distinct from a formal strike; it often relies on the pretense of individual illness but functions as coordinated labor protest.
/saɪd/
Each side presented its arguments before the court.
The property extends to the north side of the river.
The witness sided with the defendant during the trial.
In legal contexts, 'side' often denotes a party to litigation or negotiation; as a verb, it highlights alignment or support. Care is needed to distinguish the physical from the figurative senses.
/ˈsaɪdˌbɑr/
The judge held a sidebar to clarify evidentiary issues with the lawyers.
The statute included a sidebar explaining key legislative changes.
In litigation, a sidebar is typically an oral out-of-hearing conference, distinct from written sidebar notes in legal publications.
/ˈsiːdʒ/
The castle endured a long siege before the defenders capitulated.
In legal usage, 'siege' often appears in contexts involving martial law, occupation, and rules of armed conflict; clarity about the legal authority and conditions for siege is crucial in drafting related statutes or agreements.
/ˈsiːv/
The court applied a strict sieve to dismiss frivolous lawsuits early.
In legal drafting, 'sieve' is often metaphorical to describe processes that exclude weak claims or evidence, emphasizing the importance of procedural efficiency.
/ˈsiːfiː/
The regulator published new guidelines affecting the SIFI sector to ensure financial stability.
In legal contexts, SIFI is chiefly an acronym related to financial regulation and should be capitalized to denote its institutional usage.
/ˈsɪftɪŋ/
The court ordered a sifting of the documents to identify admissible evidence.
In legal contexts, 'sifting' often describes the methodical review of materials for relevance or admissibility, important in pre-trial procedures.
/sain/
The stop sign indicated that drivers must halt at the intersection.
She signed the contract before the deadline.
In legal contexts, 'sign' as a noun often relates to physical indicators carrying legal significance, while as a verb it signifies the execution of a document through a signature.
/ˈsaɪnɪdʒ/
The city ordinance restricts the size and placement of commercial signage on storefronts.
Signage in legal contexts often involves municipal codes and zoning laws regulating content, size, and placement to balance commercial interests with public safety and aesthetics.
/ˈsɪɡ.nəl/
The defendant's nod was a clear signal of agreement during the contract negotiation.
The notice was sent to signal the termination of the lease agreement.
In legal drafting, 'signal' often refers to nonverbal or symbolic indication of intent or knowledge, important in contexts such as contracts and evidence.
/ˈsɪgnəl ˈprɑːsɛsɪŋ/
Signal processing techniques were crucial in authenticating the audio recording presented in court.
In legal contexts, signal processing is often referenced with respect to the handling and verification of digital evidence rather than its technical engineering aspects.
/ˈsɪɡ.nəld/
The party signalled its acceptance by submitting the signed agreement.
Used primarily as the past tense of 'signal'; in legal contexts, it often refers to the act of formally indicating intent or information.
/ˈsɪɡnəlɪŋ/
The signalling between parties indicated their intent to finalize the agreement.
Insider signalling can impact stock prices significantly before public announcements.
In legal drafting, signalling often relates to implicit or explicit communications indicating intent or status; clarity is key to avoid ambiguity about binding commitments.
/ˈsɪɡnəlz ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/
The agency's use of signals intelligence raised concerns about privacy and legal oversight.
Signals intelligence often requires strict compliance with statutory frameworks like the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to balance security interests with privacy rights.
/ˈsɪɡnətɔːri/
The signatories to the treaty agreed to abide by its terms.
Typically refers to entities or individuals formally endorsing a legal document; precise identification of signatories is critical for enforcement and validity of agreements.
/ˈsɪɡnətɔːri steɪt/
The signatory state must comply with the treaty’s provisions unless it withdraws.
The term specifically refers to initial consent expressed by signature before ratification; be precise to distinguish from 'party state' or 'contracting state' which may imply full binding status.
/ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃɚ/
The contract was invalid without the plaintiff's signature.
The digital signature satisfied all legal requirements for enforceability.
In legal drafting, specify the form of signature required (handwritten, electronic, etc.) to avoid ambiguity in document enforceability.
/ˈsɪɡnətʃər vɛrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
The court requested signature verification to confirm that the contract was duly authorized.
Signature verification of electronic wills is required under the applicable statutes.
In legal drafting, specify whether verification refers to physical or digital contexts to avoid ambiguity.
/ˈsɪɡnətʃər frɔːd/
The defendant was charged with signature-fraud for forging the contract signature.
Signature-fraud specifically focuses on the fraudulent creation or use of a signature, a critical element for validating many legal documents, making detection key in contract and property law disputes.
/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
The significance of the witness's testimony was crucial in the trial.
The significance of the new evidence led to the reopening of the case.
In legal contexts, significance often relates to relevance and materiality, guiding whether information affects case outcomes.
/ˈsɪɡnɪfɪkənt/
The court found the evidence to be significant in determining liability.
A significant error in the contract rendered it voidable.
In legal contexts, "significant" often relates to the material impact on a case or legal issue, distinguishing trivial facts or errors from those that may influence judicial outcomes.
/ˈsɪɡnɪfɪkəntli/
The evidence was significantly relevant to the determination of liability.
Often used to frame thresholds of impact or change in legal standards or tests.
/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪər/
In trademark law, the logo serves as a signifier of the brand's identity.
In legal contexts, 'signifier' often applies in trademark and intellectual property to denote symbols representing rights or brands; clarity in its use aids precise legal interpretation.
/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/
The signature on the document signifies acceptance of the contract terms.
The letter signifies the party’s intention to terminate the agreement.
Often used to convey how actions or words represent legal meaning or intent; clarity in drafting ensures proper interpretation.
/ˈsaɪnɪŋ deɪt/
The parties agreed that the signing date would be considered the effective date of the contract.
The signing date is crucial for determining timelines and the commencement of legal obligations under the document.
/ˈsaɪ.ləns/
The defendant's silence during questioning was noted by the court.
Silence in the face of an allegation can sometimes be taken as an admission in legal proceedings.
The contract was implied by the parties’ prolonged silence.
Silence may have differing legal consequences depending on context; drafters should specify whether silence constitutes consent or waiver.
/ˈsaɪləns æz əkˈsɛptəns/
The court held that the defendant's silence amounted to acceptance of the contract terms.
Silence as acceptance typically arises in contract law and requires context to determine when silence can imply consent; not all silence constitutes acceptance.
/ˈsaɪlənt/
The witness remained silent during the trial.
A silent contract may arise from the parties’ actions rather than their words.
In legal contexts, "silent" often refers to a lack of verbal or written expression, but may carry important implications, such as constituting silence that can be interpreted as consent or acceptance. Drafting should clarify whether silence constitutes assent or merely absence of communication.
/ˈsaɪləntli/
The parties silently agreed to the terms without further negotiation.
In legal contexts, 'silently' often relates to the absence of objection or express communication, which can imply consent or acquiescence under certain doctrines.
/ˈsɪmɪli/
The legal brief employed a simile, comparing the contract terms to a tightly woven fabric to emphasize their interconnectedness.
Similes are rhetorical devices that, while primarily literary, can enhance legal argumentation by making complex ideas more relatable.
/ˈsɪmpəl ˈɪntrəst/
The contract specified that the borrower would pay simple interest at an annual rate of 5%.
Simple interest is often contrasted with compound interest; clarity in drafting loan terms regarding the method of interest calculation is crucial.
/ˈsɪmpəl məˈdʒɒrɪti/
The motion passed by a simple majority of 52 percent.
Use 'simple majority' to indicate a basic threshold above 50% of votes, distinguishing it from supermajorities or other voting thresholds.
/ˈsɪmpl rɛzəˈluːʃən/
The committee adopted a simple resolution to express its position on the issue.
The house passed a simple resolution to honor the retiring senator.
Simple resolutions are often used for internal matters or expressions of opinion and do not require the approval of both chambers or the executive; they are distinct from joint or concurrent resolutions which may carry legal effect.
/ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪʃən/
The parties structured the deal as a simulation to circumvent tax liabilities.
The court held that the agreement was a simulation and therefore unenforceable.
In legal contexts, 'simulation' often denotes a deceptive or insincere act intended to mislead; distinguishing genuine intent is crucial in disputes involving simulated transactions.
/ˌsɪm.əlˈteɪ.nɪ.ɪ.ti/
The simultaneity of signing the contract and transferring payment was crucial to the agreement.
In legal drafting, clarity about simultaneity can affect interpretation of obligations and timing of rights or duties.
/sɪˌmʌltəˈneɪɪjəs/
The parties reached a simultaneous agreement to terminate the contract.
The court allowed the simultaneous filing of all related claims to conserve judicial resources.
In legal drafting, specifying 'simultaneous' actions often avoids ambiguity about timing, ensuring that obligations or events occur exactly at the same time rather than sequentially.
/ˌsɪməlˈteɪniəs pərˈfɔːrməns/
The contract required simultaneous performance of payment and delivery to prevent breach.
Simultaneous performance ensures fairness by exchanging obligations at the same moment.
Simultaneous performance is distinct from conditions precedent or subsequent and involves a timing obligation that both parties fulfill their duties together; drafting clarity is essential to avoid disputes over sequence of performance.
/sɪm.əlˈteɪ.ni.əs.li/
The contracts were executed simultaneously to ensure mutual obligations.
In legal drafting, 'simultaneously' clarifies timing of obligations or actions, avoiding ambiguity about sequence or precedence.
/sɪn/
The defendant’s actions were seen as a sin against community standards.
In legal contexts, 'sin' often overlaps with moral fault or wrongdoing, and while it primarily has religious connotations, it can influence assessments of liability or culpability in law.
/ˈsɪnɪkjʊər/
He was appointed to a sinecure that provided a comfortable income without responsibilities.
Typically used in legal and governmental contexts to describe paid positions with minimal duties, often scrutinized for potential misuse or patronage.
/ˈsɪŋɡəl blaɪnd/
The court accepted evidence obtained through a single blind procedure to prevent bias in witness identification.
In legal contexts, 'single blind' often relates to procedural fairness or evidentiary assessments to avoid bias; precise use ensures clarity regarding who is blinded in the process.
/ˈsɪŋɡəl jʊəˈrəʊpiən ækt/
The Single European Act significantly advanced the goal of economic integration within the European Community.
The Single European Act was the first major revision of the Treaty of Rome and expanded qualified majority voting in the European Council to expedite decision-making.
/ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈmɑːrkɪt/
The European Union's single market enables businesses to trade freely across member states without tariffs.
The term typically refers to supranational frameworks like the EU Single Market, emphasizing the removal of non-tariff barriers alongside tariffs for seamless economic activity.
/ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈpɑːrti/
The contract was signed by a single party, without any co-signatories.
The single party agreement imposed obligations solely on the seller.
The term applies broadly to identify an individual or entity acting alone in legal scenarios; usage as noun or adjective depends on context.
/ˈsɪŋɡəl trænsˈfɜːrəbl voʊt/
The single transferable vote system helps minority groups gain fair representation in the legislature.
The single transferable vote is widely used in multi-member constituencies to achieve proportionality through voter preferences; drafting election laws requires clarity on quota calculation and transfer rules.
/ˌsɪŋɡəl blaɪnd ˈtraɪəl/
The researchers conducted a single-blind trial to assess the new drug's efficacy while preventing participant bias.
Single-blind trials help reduce participant bias but may still allow observer bias, unlike double-blind trials.
/ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈɛntri ˈbʊkˌkiːpɪŋ/
The small retailer relied on single-entry bookkeeping to track daily sales and costs.
Single-entry bookkeeping is less comprehensive than double-entry bookkeeping and often unsuitable for complex business transactions, but it provides a legally acceptable record for small enterprises in many jurisdictions.
/ˌsɪŋɡəl ˈmɛmbər ˈdɪstrɪkt/
Each state is divided into single-member districts for congressional elections.
The term is frequently used in discussions of electoral systems and voting rights, emphasizing the importance of individual representation as opposed to at-large or multimember constituencies.
/ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈpeɪər ˈsɪstəm/
The country implemented a single-payer system to provide universal health coverage.
In legal drafting, clarify that the single-payer system centralizes funding but not necessarily provision of healthcare services.
/ˈsɪŋɡəl raʊnd ˈsɪstəm/
The country adopted a single-round system to simplify its presidential elections.
Used primarily in electoral law and political science, the single-round system contrasts with multi-round systems; drafters must clarify that only one round of voting occurs to avoid ambiguity.
/ˈsɪŋɡjələr/
The contract uses singular terms to specify individual liability.
The court noted the singular nature of the case warranted special consideration.
In legal drafting, distinguishing singular from plural helps clarify obligations and rights, preventing ambiguity about whether terms apply to one or multiple parties.
/ˌsɪŋɡjəˈlarɪti/
The court considered the singularity of the event when delivering its judgment.
The trademark's singularity was key to establishing its distinctiveness.
In legal drafting, singularity emphasizes exceptionality or uniqueness of a fact or concept; it is important to clarify context to avoid ambiguity with its scientific meaning.
/ˈsɪŋ.kɪŋ fʌnd/
The company created a sinking fund to ensure it could repay the bondholders upon maturity.
A sinking fund aids financial planning by ensuring funds are available for future liabilities, often required in bond indentures.
/ˈsɪnz əv ðə ˈfɑːðər/
The court considered whether the 'sins of the father' principle applied to the disputed estate.
This term is largely metaphorical in legal contexts and is used to discuss liability or responsibility extending beyond the individual perpetrator to their descendants. Care should be taken to distinguish moral or cultural usage from strict legal doctrines.
/ˈsɪnz ʌv ðə flɛʃ/
The court considered whether the defendant's actions constituted sins of the flesh under obscenity statutes.
Typically used in moral or religious discussions, 'sins of the flesh' may inform legal interpretations in cases involving morality laws or sexual conduct but has no precise legal definition itself.
/ˈsɜːr/
The court addressed the witness as 'Sir' out of respect.
The legal brief mentioned Sir William Blackstone.
Used as a polite or formal mode of address in legal proceedings, often denoting respect or rank.
/saɪər/
The sire of the horse passed on desirable traits to its offspring.
The bull sired numerous calves during the breeding season.
In legal contexts, 'sire' is often used in livestock and inheritance law to establish lineage; it is less common in human legal parentage matters where terms like 'father' or 'paternity' predominate.
/sɪt/
The witness was asked to sit during the proceedings.
The court will sit at 9 a.m. to hear the case.
In legal contexts, "sit" often refers to both the physical act of being seated and the formal convening of courts or bodies; clarity depends on usage.
/ˈsɪt.ɪn/
The civil rights activists organized a sit-in at the segregated lunch counter to protest racial discrimination.
Sit-ins are tactical nonviolent protests designed to create legal and social pressure by peaceful occupation of premises, frequently addressed in civil rights litigation and public order regulation.
/ˈsaɪt əˌsɛsmənt/
The lawyer recommended a thorough site assessment before finalizing the property purchase.
In legal contexts, site assessments frequently underpin due diligence and risk management, particularly regarding environmental liabilities and zoning compliance.
/ˈsaɪt plæn rɪˈvjuː/
The developer submitted the site plan for review to obtain the necessary permits for construction.
Site plan review is a critical step ensuring legal and regulatory conformity before development; clear criteria and public input provisions strengthen its legitimacy.
/ˈsɪtɪŋ/
The case was heard during the sitting of the court.
In legal contexts, 'sitting' specifically refers to the convening of a court or tribunal rather than the physical act of sitting.
/ˈsɪtʃueɪt/
The deed situates the property adjacent to the river.
Often used in legal drafting to specify the exact location or context of an asset or action within legal documents.
/ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/
The lawyer carefully analyzed the situation to determine the best legal strategy.
The situation of the contract breach warranted prompt legal action.
In legal drafting, 'situation' often refers broadly to facts or conditions affecting a case, thus distinguishing it from precise legal definitions; it is important to clarify context to avoid ambiguity.
/ˈsɪksθ əˈmɛndmənt/
The defendant invoked the Sixth Amendment to demand a speedy trial.
Drafting clarity often hinges on specifying each enumerated right; the Sixth Amendment is primarily invoked in criminal procedure and rights contexts.
/ˈsɪksθ əˈmɛndmənt tu ði ˌjuːnaɪtɪd steɪts ˌkɑnstɪˈtuːʃən/
The Sixth Amendment ensures that an accused person has the right to a fair trial.
The Sixth Amendment is central in criminal procedure; precise drafting is vital to protect trial rights and prevent waiver of these rights.
