Is Black's Law Dictionary worth it?
Asked by: Dr. Vince Zemlak III | Last update: October 5, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (15 votes)
Never think of a legal dictionary as a final stop in your research. While some, like Black's, are considered very trustworthy, remember that the definitions in a legal dictionary are not official, authoritative statements of the law.
Does Black's Law Dictionary hold up in court?
The most cited law book in the world, cited over 250 times by the U.S. Supreme Court since 2000. Completely revised with new material on every page and over 2,500 new entries!
What is the Black's Law Dictionary controversy?
A litigated question; adversary proceeding In a court of law; a civil action or suit, either at law or In equity.
Do courts use the black Law Dictionary?
The use of dictionaries at the Supreme Court is increasingly popular for various reasons. Black's Law Dictionary is the most frequently used U.S. legal dictionary.
What is the purpose of Black's Law Dictionary?
Dictionaries. Summary. First published in 1891, Black's is now in a 6th edition that reflects changes in tax, finance, commerce, health care, environmental and criminal law. Terms are listed alphabetically with cross-references, and entries give basic legal definitions, word usages, citations, and pronunciation.
Blacks Law Dictionary why you need to learn their legalise in order to play the game!
Is Black's Law Dictionary credible?
While some, like Black's, are considered very trustworthy, remember that the definitions in a legal dictionary are not official, authoritative statements of the law. To locate Black's in Westlaw, simply type the title in the main search box on Westlaw and then click on the matching link.
Do lawyers use Black's law?
What's the most widely cited legal book in the world? If you guessed Black's Law Dictionary, then congratulate yourself. Henry Campbell Black published the first edition in 1891, and today it's a must-have for every lawyer and law student.
Which Law Dictionary is best?
Orans Dictionary of the Law is the clearest and easiest to use dictionary on the market. The only major law dictionary created for paralegals and law-related professionals, this comprehensive version has nearly 6,000 main headings and 12,000 definitions.
What is confidential in Black's Law Dictionary?
Confidentiality (which is about data) involves restricting the flow of. information. The term that applies to something that has the quality of being. confidential, secret or privileged. ( Black's Law Dictionary)
Who wrote Black's Law Dictionary?
The First Edition of Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black (1860—1927) was born in Ossining, New York. He was educated at Trinity College in Connecticut, from which he received a bachelor's degree in 1880, a master's degree in 1887, and an LLD in 1916.
What is obscene in Black's Law Dictionary?
According to Black's Law Dictionary obscenity means character or quality of being obscene, conduct, tending to corrupt the public merely by its indecency ... lewdness. According to Webster's New International Dictionary, word 'obscene' means disgusting to the senses, usually because of some filthy grotesque.
What dictionary do lawyers use?
The two most commonly used legal dictionaries are Black's Law Dictionary and Ballentine's Law Dictionary. Print copies of Black's are located on dictionary stands on the fourth and fifth floors.
What is a threat in the black Law Dictionary?
A threat has been defined to be any menace of such a nature and extent as to unsettle the mind of the person on whom it operates, and to take away from his acts that free, voluntary action which alone constitutes consent.
What does monster mean in Black's law?
Definition and Citations:
A prodigious birth; a human birth or offspring not having the shape of mankind, which cannot be heir to any land, albeit it be brought forth in marriage.
What is marriage according to Black's Law Dictionary?
According to Black's Law Dictionary, marriage is the legal union of a couple as spouses. Further, Black's says the essentials of a valid marriage are. parties legally capable of contracting to marry, mutual consent or agreement, and. an actual contracting in the form prescribed by law.
What is prima facie in Black's Law Dictionary?
Prima facie means at first sight, on the first appearance, on the face of it (Black's Law Dictionary).
What is the purpose of the Black's Law Dictionary?
As many legal terms are derived from a Latin root word, the dictionary provides a pronunciation guide for such terms. In addition, the applicable entries provide pronunciation transcriptions pursuant to those found among North American practitioners of law or medicine.
What does willful mean in Black's Law Dictionary?
Proceeding from a conscious motion of the will; intending the result which actually conies to pass ; designed; intentional; malicious.
What is misappropriation Black's Law Dictionary?
According to Black's Law Dictionary, "misappropriation" is the "act of misappropriating or turning to a wrong purpose; wrong appropriation, a term that doesn't necessarily mean peculation, although it may mean that.
Which dictionary is most accepted?
More than a dictionary, the OED is a comprehensive guide to current and historical word meanings in English. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is widely accepted as the most complete record of the English language ever assembled.
What dictionary does the Supreme Court use?
The Supreme Court has referred to dictionaries in its opinions over 664 times. In recent years, almost every major case and many minor ones find the justices, or their clerks, thumbing through Webster's Third or the Oxford English Dictionary.
Is Black's Law Dictionary free online?
Black's Law Dictionary, 11th ed. can be found on Westlaw. Note: the internet has free versions, but only Westlaw will have the most current and accurate edition.
What is a crime in the black Law Dictionary?
According to Black s Law Dictionary, Crime is an act that the law makes punishable; the breach of a legal duty treated as the subject matter of a criminal proceeding (399). There are many aspects that a criminal considers when committing a crime.
What is reasonable in Black's law?
According to Black's Law Dictionary, the term "reasonable" is defined as "fair, proper or moderate under the circumstances." Lewinson.