This book follows the dictate of simplicity “that the language used by lawyers [should] agree with the common speech, unless there are reasons for a difference.” Words with an old affinity for the law, but are no longer used or useful, have been omitted. Working survivors of ancient languages and usage are translated and explained. Words are grouped together as identical, similar, disparate, or departing from or paralleling the usage in ordinary English. Rendered in simplified phonetics, pronunciation is included here when it is unusual, exotic, controversial, or needed to prevent confusion.

Product Description: Begins with the 1840 murder trial Regina vs. Courvoisier, when, before the second day of trial, Benjamin Courvoisier, the accused, confesses to his lawyer that he committed the crime. The first half of the text describes, in polished narrative style, the course and circumstances of this highly intriguing trial...read more