Lawyer's MUMBO Jumbo

We are not lawyers ... but we need to understand their lexicon (lawyers always have their own lingo only they can understand. Same with doctors, nurses, and engineers) 

We spend our waking hours on YouTube and we are always exposed to hearings and debates ... and also their private conversations ... and all we do is scratch our heads because they are using legal terminologies that sound too foreign and alien to our virgin ears ... and our mind wonders what are they talking about.

Let's start decoding and decrypting these words and phrases (it is irreverent for us to enter the sanctum of the in ... but desperate times need desperate measures) so the next time they use these terms again ... we are on the same page with them.  Not in limbo.

We will try to dissect and define them in simpler language so ordinary mortals and laymen (the amateur and the non-experts) can actively participate in the discussion ... and at the same time broaden their legal and paralegal stock knowledge,

So our word or phrase that is hitting the headlines today is: quid pro quo

1. PHRASE: Quid pro quo

2. MEANING: Quid Pro Quo is said to be an agreement between two or more parties in which there is a reciprocal exchange of goods and services. In layman's terms, it can be easily understood as an exchange of something or services ... a substitute ... a favor for a favor ... a give-and-take modus that is so prevalent nowadays.

There is really nothing criminal or illegal ... much more felonious with giving or receiving something in exchange for another thing ... as in I give you chocolate provided you clean my house.

But you just have to watch out because, in a legal context, it can be misconstrued as wrongful or illicit.  Some quid pro quo have illegal implications and insinuations like the owner of a business offering money to the town mayor in exchange for building a drainage system that has the potential to pollute the whole area.

Any activity that sounds or looks like bribery ... palm greasing ... payola ...  or hush money is a red flag.

3. EXAMPLE

In politics, quid pro quo can either be a good or a bad thing. It is common knowledge of the reciprocal agreement between politicians and their constituents. Politician usually do something for their constituents if they bring in work or projects or jobs in the community. The constituents in return promise continued support translated in the likes of VOTES as well as campaign donations come election day.