Opus Novum

In civil law

A new work. A new (i. e., late or recent) construction on land, or alteration in works already there.

Dig. 39. 1. 1. 11. OR.

Ordinarily a disjunctive particle.

249 111. 117; 99 111. 560.

To further the intent of the parties, however, it has often been construed as conjunctive.

98 U. S. 143; 30 Ohio St. 407; 36 Wis. 466; 3 Gill (Md.) 492; 1 Yeates (Pa.) 316; 14 Daly (N. Y.) 361; 55 111. 239; 181 111. App. 715.

It is sometimes used also to introduce a synonymous or further expression in explanation of what precedes.

91 U. S. 362; 8 Mass. 59.

The usual province of the word is to disjoin the parts of a sentence, and while it suggests an alternative it also denotes opposition.

54 N. J. Law, 133.

Used in its ordinary and disjunctive sense, it corresponds with either, "meaning one or the other of two, hut, not both."

143 111. 100.

The word "or" is often construed "and," and vice versa, to further the intent of the parties in legacies, devises, deeds, bonds and writings.

213 111. 130; 249 111. 117.

In such cases it may usually be determined from the context that the wrong word was mistakenly used.

51 L. J. Q. B. 567; 9 Q. D. B. 643.

Instances in which "or" should be read "and."

2 Ves. 243; 6 D. & R. 257; 30 L. J. M. C. 245; 10 C. B. N. S. 317; 21 L. J. Ch. 434; 2 Sim. N. S. 212; 6 Ir. Eq. Rep. 118.

Instances in which "and" should not be read "or." 3 Rep. 80a; 12 East, 228; 26 L. J. Ch. 473; 6 H. L. Ca. 61; 28 Bea. 440; 22 L. J. Ex. 144; 8 Ex. 578; L. R. 1 Eq. 675. "Or" sometimes means "nor."

51 L. J. M. C. 22; 8 Q. D. B. 445.

ORACULUM (Lat.) In civil law. The name of & kind of decision given by th6 Roman emperors.