Also known as: advantage · emolument
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An advantage or benefit recognized under law.
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Aisha Ahmed, the President, issues an order directing an agency to reallocate resources toward projects backed by a campaign donor. The order allows the favored contractor to bypass routine reviews that competitors must still complete. This allocation creates a clear procedural edge for the donor's firm in securing approvals ahead of rivals.
Alfred Ashford, a corporate officer at Apex Dynamics, learns of a supply contract through his board role and signs it personally via a side entity. He completes the work using company staff and proprietary materials without first presenting the deal to the board. The transaction yields personal profit that the corporation could have captured.
Judge Angela Acosta contacts one party's counsel by phone to resolve a scheduling conflict in pending litigation. She confirms during the call that the opposing side will receive immediate notice of the discussion and an opportunity to respond. The brief exchange produces no tactical or substantive benefit for either litigant.
Anchor Bank holds an access easement across Alpine Mining's land to reach its remote branch. When new technology allows faster vehicle passage, the bank upgrades the road surface and widens the traveled portion within the easement boundaries. The changes improve convenience without causing unreasonable damage to the servient parcel.
Apollo Energy issues a promissory note to Audrey Ashton that authorizes the holder to seize specified equipment upon default. The note contains no other promise beyond payment of a fixed sum. The collateral clause supplies the holder an enforcement mechanism without rendering the instrument nonnegotiable.
During a declared invasion, Congress suspends the writ of habeas corpus for persons detained near the front lines. The suspension applies only while active hostilities threaten public safety in the affected region. Detainees may still challenge their status once the emergency ends.
It denotes an advantage or benefit recognized under older doctrines.
Supporting sources
Modern authorities rarely use the Latin form and instead employ the English word advantage when describing similar benefits or edges.
Supporting sources
A director or officer who takes a business opportunity may avoid liability if the corporation disclaims interest after proper disclosure, preventing any improper advantage from arising.
…cl. 3; in the Apportionment Clause, Art. I, § 2, cl. 3; in the Migration and Importation provision, Art. I, § 9, cl. 1; in the Emolument Clause, Art. I, § 9, cl. 8; in the Electors provisions, Art. II, § 1, cl. 2, and the superseded cl. 3; in the provision outlining qualifications for the office of President, Art. II, § 1,…