Law Dictionary Definitions

reductio ad absurdum (ri-d<<schwa>>k-shee-oh or ri-d<<schwa>>k-tee-oh ad ab-s<< schwa>>r-d<<schwa>>m). [Latin “reduction to the absurd”] In logic, disproof of an argument by showing that it leads to a ridiculous conclusion. [Blacks Law 8th]

redubber.Hist. One who buys stolen cloth and redyes it or makes it into something so that the cloth is unrecognizable. [Blacks Law 8th]

red tape.A bureaucratic procedure required to be followed before official action can be taken; esp. rigid adherence to time-consuming rules and regulations; excessive bureaucracy. • The phrase originally referred to the red ribbons that lawyers and government officials once used to tie their papers together. [Blacks Law 8th]

redress (ri-dresorree-dres), n.1. Relief; remedy <money damages, as opposed to equitable relief, is the only redress available>. [Cases: Damages 1, 3. C.J.S. Damages §§ 1–2, 4–7.] 2. A means of seeking relief or remedy <if the statute of limitations has run, the plaintiff is without redress>. — redressable,adj. — redress (ri-dres), vb. penal redress.A form…

redraft,n. A second negotiable instrument offered by the drawer after the first instrument has been dishonored. — redraft,vb. [Blacks Law 8th]

redlining,n.1. Credit discrimination (usu. unlawful discrimination) by an institution that refuses to provide loans or insurance on properties in areas that are deemed to be poor financial risks or to the people who live in those areas. [Cases: Civil Rights 1041, 1079; Consumer Credit 31.C.J.S. Civil Rights §§ 2–3, 14–17, 21, 23; Interest and Usury;…

red-light abatement laws.An ordinance or statute intended to eliminate and prohibit sex-oriented businesses, usu. on grounds that they are public nuisances. • Brothels were once typically identified by a red light displayed in a window or in the front yard. [Blacks Law 8th]

reditus (red-<<schwa>>-t<<schwa>>s), n.[Latin “return”] A revenue or return; esp. rent. — Also spelled redditus. reditus albi (al-bI). [Latin “white return”] Rent payable in silver or other money. reditus capitales (kap-<<schwa>>-tay-leez). [Latin “capital return”] Chief rent paid by a freeholder to go quit of all other services. See QUIT RENT. reditus nigri (nig-rI). [Latin “black return”]…

redistricting. See REAPPORTIONMENT. [Blacks Law 8th]

redistrict,vb. To organize into new districts, esp. legislative ones; reapportion. [Cases: States 27; United States 10. C.J.S. States §§ 62–78; United States§ 19.] [Blacks Law 8th]