power of attorney

Definition

A legal document authorizing someone to act on your behalf in legal or financial matters, essentially giving them the keys to your life. Choose wisely, or you might find your nephew has sold your house and moved to Tahiti.

Example Usage

She granted her daughter power of attorney when she entered the hospital, allowing her to make medical and financial decisions.

Origin

From medieval legal practice, formalized in English common law by the 16th century

Fun Fact

A 'durable' power of attorney remains in effect even if you become mentally incapacitated, while a regular one terminates if you lose mental capacity—which is often when you need it most.

Source: Common legal terminology

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plea

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amicus

Short for "amicus curiae" (friend of the court), this is a busybody who isn't even part of the lawsuit but still submits their two cents via a legal brief. Think of them as the legal equivalent of someone butting into a conversation they weren't invited to—except courts actually welcome these know-it-alls when they provide helpful expertise or perspectives the parties might have missed.

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