Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
causa
Read a random definition: School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Schempp (1963)
A quick definition of causa:
Term: CAUSA
Definition: Causa is a Latin term that means reason or cause. In Roman law, it was used to refer to the reason for which some judicial measures were introduced by the praetor. It can also mean the subjective motive, intention, or purpose of a person. In civil law, causa refers to consideration or inducement. It is a necessary cause without which the thing cannot be or the event would not have occurred. Falsa causa means mistaken reason or motive, and causa non secuta means failure of consideration.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Causa is a Latin term that has different meanings in different contexts. In Roman law, it refers to the reason or motive for which some judicial measures were introduced by the praetor. It can also mean a consideration or inducement in civil law.
Examples:
- Causa causans: An immediate or effective cause.
- Causa jactitationis maritagii: A cause of assertion of marriage.
- Causa matrimonii praelocuti: A cause of prearranged marriage.
- Causa proxima: The immediate or latest cause.
- Causa remota: A remote or indirect cause.
- Causa sine qua non: A necessary cause; the cause without which the thing cannot be or the event would not have occurred.
- Causa falsa: Mistaken reason or motive.
For example, causa proxima refers to the immediate or latest cause of an event. If a car accident happened because the driver was texting while driving, the causa proxima of the accident would be the driver's distraction. On the other hand, causa sine qua non refers to the necessary cause without which the event would not have occurred. If a building collapsed because of a faulty foundation, the causa sine qua non of the collapse would be the faulty foundation.
In civil law, causa can mean a consideration or inducement. For instance, if someone promises to pay you $100 if you mow their lawn, the causa of the promise would be the consideration of mowing the lawn.