A Way with Words

Legal Doublets

Posted by Grant Barrett on February 2, 2019 · Add Comment

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Hue and Cry

Posted by Grant Barrett on February 2, 2019 · Add Comment

Today, the phrase hue and cry means a clamor or uproar, but in old English law, hue and cry referred to the public outcry during the pursuit of a criminal suspect. Anyone who heard this shouting was legally obligated to join in the chase. This is part of a complete episode.
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Elbow Clerk

Posted by Grant Barrett on April 24, 2017 · Add Comment

Speaking to a conference of judges and lawyers, Grant learns the term elbow clerk, meaning a clerk who works in the judge’s chambers. This is part of a complete episode.
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Delope

Posted by Grant Barrett on February 10, 2017 · Add Comment

Delope is a term used in duelling that to throw away one’s shot. Incidentally, before taking office, elected officials in Kentucky, including notary publics, must swear they have never fought in a duel. This is part of a complete episode.
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Insure vs. Ensure

Posted by grantbarrett on October 19, 2013 · Add Comment

Insure and ensure mean two different things now, but back when the U.S. Constitution was penned, they were interchangeable. Hence the line in the preamble to insure domestic tranquility. This is part of a complete episode.
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Past Tense of Plead

Posted by Grant Barrett on May 20, 2012 · Add Comment

What’s the past tense of plead? Is it pleaded or pled? Within the legal profession, pleaded is preferred. But in our common vernacular, we tend to use the less traditional pled. This is part of a complete episode.
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