Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
cozening
Read a random definition: plain-meaning rule
A quick definition of cozening:
Term: Cozening
Definition: Cozening is a bad thing people do when they cheat or trick others in a sneaky way. It's like when someone promises to do something but doesn't really mean it, or when they lie to get what they want. It's not a nice thing to do and it's against the rules. Sometimes it's also called cosening or stellionatus.
A more thorough explanation:
Cozening (pronounced kuh-zuh-ning) is a dishonest practice that involves cheating or fraudulent dealing. It is also known as cosening. In the past, it was an offense that was not specifically named, but it was considered a serious offense.
According to John Cowell's book, The Interpreter, cozening is a type of deceitful practice that can occur in or out of contracts. It is a form of fraud that cannot be fitly termed by any special name. In the civil law, it is called stellionatus.
Examples of cozening include:
- A salesman who lies about the quality of a product to make a sale
- A contractor who overcharges for a job and does not complete the work as promised
- A person who forges a signature on a contract to make it seem like someone agreed to something they did not
These examples illustrate how cozening involves dishonesty and deception. It is a deliberate attempt to cheat or defraud someone for personal gain.