Privilege
A special and exclusive legal advantage or right such as a benefit,
exemption, power or immunity. An example would be the special privileges
that some persons have in a bankruptcy to recoup their debts from the
bankrupt's estate before other, non-privileged creditors.
Probate
The formal certificate given by a court that certifies that a will has
been proven, validated and registered and which, from that point on,
gives the executor the legal authority to execute the will. A "probate
court" is a name given to the court that has this power to ratify
wills.
Presumption
of advancement
A presumption in trust, contract and family law which suggests that
property transferred from a parent to a child, or spouse to spouse,
is a gift and would defeat any presumption of a resulting trust.
Profit
a prendre
A servitude which resembles an easement and which allows the holder
to enter the land of another and to take some natural produce such as
mineral deposits, fish or game, timber, crops or pasture.
Pro
forma
As a matter of form; in keeping with a form or practice. Something done
pro forma may not be essential but it facilitates future dealings. For
example, an invoice might be sent to a purchaser even before the goods
are delivered as a matter of business practices.