The word for today is…

comity (noun) – 1. An atmosphere of social harmony.
2. (Law) The principle by which a court in one jurisdiction defers to a court in another jurisdiction where either would have legal power to decide the case, or gives effect to the laws, executive acts, or legal decisions of another jurisdiction.

(You may hear this term used in conjunction with the current standoff between the two bodies in the American Government.)

Source : The Free Dictionary

Etymology : Early 15th century, “association,” from French comité, from Latin comitas “courtesy, friendliness, kindness, affability,” from comis “courteous, friendly, kind,” from PIE *ko(m)smi-, literally “smiling with,” from *kom- “together” + root *smei- “to laugh, smile”.

Meaning “courtesy, civility” in English is from 1540s. Phrase comity of nations attested from 1812: “The obligation recognized by civilized nations to respect each other’s laws and usages as far as their separate interests allow.”

 

Peter is a fourth-generation New Zealander, with his mother's and father's folks having arrived in New Zealand in the 1870s. He lives in Lower Hutt with his wife, some cats and assorted computers. His...