LAW

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KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Per Curiam
Per curiam is a Latin expression meaning “by the court”.
It describes a judgment or statement delivered collectively on behalf of the court rather than by an individual judge alone.
The term is commonly used in appellate courts with multiple judges.
A judgment delivered per curiam represents the unanimous or collective reasoning of the bench.
The phrase is often abbreviated as “per cur”.

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​KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Percipient Witness


A percipient witness is a witness who gives evidence based on direct personal observation.


Such a witness testifies about facts personally seen, heard, or experienced.


The witness provides factual evidence rather than expert opinion.


Percipient witnesses are commonly referred to as witnesses of fact.


Their evidence is generally considered direct evidence in court proceedings.
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KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Per Capita
Per capita is a Latin expression meaning “by heads” or “for each person”.
In succession law, distribution per capita means each beneficiary receives an equal share individually.
The method treats all entitled persons equally regardless of family branch.
For example, if four beneficiaries inherit per capita, each receives one-quarter of the estate.
Per capita distribution differs from distribution per stirpes, where shares are divided according to family lines.

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​KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Per Autre Vie


Per autre vie is a legal expression meaning “for the life of another”.


It refers to an estate or interest in land that lasts for the lifetime of another specified person.


The holder of the estate enjoys rights in the property only while that person remains alive.


When the named person dies, the estate automatically ends.


The term commonly appears in relation to an Estate Pur Autre Vie.
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KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Peppercorn Rent
A peppercorn rent is a very small or nominal rent reserved under a lease.
The rent is often purely symbolic and may consist literally of a peppercorn.
Its purpose is to show that the lease is supported by valuable consideration.
Peppercorn rents are commonly used where parties do not intend any substantial rent to be paid.
Such arrangements are frequently seen in long leases granted for premium payments.

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KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Per Stirpes
Per stirpes is a Latin expression meaning “according to descent” or “by the roots.”
It describes a method of distributing property among descendants in succession law.
Under a per stirpes distribution, descendants inherit the share that their deceased ancestor would have received.
For example, grandchildren may collectively take the share of a deceased parent.
The rules of intestacy commonly apply the principle of per stirpes distribution.

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KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Persona Non Grata
Persona non grata is a Latin term meaning an unacceptable or unwelcome person in diplomatic law.
The term is mainly used for diplomatic agents who are no longer acceptable to the receiving state.
When a diplomat is declared persona non grata, the sending state is expected to recall that person.
If the sending state refuses or fails to act, the host state may expel the diplomat or refuse to recognize their diplomatic status.
The concept is an important aspect of international diplomatic relations and state sovereignty.

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KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Personal Union
A personal union is an arrangement where two or more states share the same head of state.
Each state nevertheless remains legally separate and retains its own sovereignty.
The arrangement does not create a single international legal entity.
A historical example occurred when James VI and I ruled both Scotland and England.
Personal unions often arise through inheritance or dynastic succession.

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KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Personalty
Personalty is another term for personal property.
It includes all property that is not land or an interest in land.
Examples include goods, money, shares, and intellectual property rights.
The term is frequently used in probate and succession law.
Personalty is contrasted with realty, which refers to land and related interests.

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​KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – Personal Service


Personal service refers to formally delivering legal documents directly to a person or organization.


The rules governing personal service are contained in procedural law such as the Civil Procedure Rules.


Service on an individual usually occurs by physically leaving the document with that person.


Companies may be served through directors, managers, or other senior officers.


Proper service is important because it ensures parties receive notice of legal proceedings.