Legal Term Dictionary

Search our free database of thousands of legal terms. The easiest-to-read, most user-friendly guide to legal terms.This dictionary is from the early 20th century and is not to be construed as legal advice.

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  • PURSUE
    To follow a matter judicially, as a complaining party. To pursue a warrant or authority, in the old books, Is to execute it or carry it out. Oo. Litt 52.
  • PURSUER
    The name by which the complainant or plaintiff is known in the ecclesiastical courts, and In the Scotch law.
  • PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
    As used In constitutional law, this right includes personal freedom, freedom of contract, exemption from oppression or invidious discrimination, the right to follow one's individual preference in the choice of an occupation and the application of his energies, liberty of conscience, and the right to enjoy the domestic relations and More...
  • PURUS IDIOTA
    Lat A congenital idiot.
  • PURVEYANCE
    In- old English law. A providing of necessaries for the king's house. Cowell.
  • PURVEYOR
    In old English law. An ofllcer who procured or purchased articles needed for the king's use at an arbitrary price. In the statute 36 Edw. III. c 2, this is called a "heianou* nome," (heinous or hateful name,) and changed to that of "ocAo-*or." Barring. Ob. St 289.
  • PURVIEW
    That part of a statute commencing with the words "Be it enacted," and continuing as far as the repealing clause; and hence, the design, contemplation, purpose, or scope of the act See Smith v. Hickman, Cooke (Tenn.) 337; Payne v. Conner, 3 Bibb (Ky.) 181; Hirth v. Indianapolis, 18 Ind. More...
  • PUT
    In pleading. To confide to; to rely upon; to submit to. As in the phrase, "the said defendant puts himself upon the country;" that is, he trusts his case to the arbitrament of a jury.
  • PUT IN
    In practice. To place in due form before a court; to place among the records of a court.
  • PUT OUT
    To open. To put out lights; to open or cut windows. 11 East 372. Putagium. haereditatem nom adimlt. 1 Reeve, Eng. Law, c 3, p. 117. Incontinence does not take away an inheritance.
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