Question 1

The word 'fault' is derived from Latin.

Accepted Answer

The word 'fault' derives from the Latin word 'fallere' which means to deceive or disappoint.

Question 2

Pow-wow' is a word derived from Old Norse.

Accepted Answer

Pow-wow is actually derived from the Algonquian language, specifically from the Narragansett word "powwaw" meaning spiritual leader or shaman.

Question 3

The Statute of Pleading stipulated that legal proceedings should be conducted in French.

Accepted Answer

The Statute of Pleading, enacted in 1362, stipulated that legal proceedings in England should be conducted in English, not French.

Question 4

Words which describe legal concepts in English commonly come from Latin or French.

Accepted Answer

Many legal terms in English have Latin or French roots, as these were the languages of the medieval legal system and still have a strong influence on modern legal terminology.

Question 5

English is a largely homogeneous language

Accepted Answer

English is not a largely homogeneous language as it has many variations, dialects, and accents across different regions and countries. Even within a single country, there can be significant differences in the way English is spoken and written.

Question 6

The world 'construe' essentially means the same as 'interpret'.

Accepted Answer

Both "construe" and "interpret" refer to analyzing and understanding meaning in a particular way. Therefore, they are essentially the same in meaning.

Question 7

Consideration' has a diffferent meaning when used in a contractual context as compared to its meaning in ordinary usage.

Accepted Answer

In a contractual context, consideration refers to something of value that is offered by one party to another party as a part of a contract. In ordinary usage, consideration refers to careful thought or deliberation given to a matter.

Question 8

New Zealand is a civil law country.

Accepted Answer

New Zealand is a common law country, meaning its legal system is based on judicial decisions and precedents rather than a written code of laws.

Question 9

Common law concepts have no relevance in most international contracts.

Accepted Answer

Common law concepts such as the doctrines of precedent and stare decisis, as well as contractual terms such as warranties and representations, can have significant implications in international contracts.

Question 10

Inter alia means 'among others'.

Accepted Answer

Inter alia is a Latin phrase that means "among other things" or "among others."

Deck 1: Introduction to Legal English