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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  • REFERENDUM
    In international law. A communication sent by a diplomatic representative to his home government in regard to matters presented to him which he is unable or unwilling to decide without further instructions. In the modern constitutional law of Switzerland, the referendum is a method of submitting an important legislative measure More...
  • REFINEMENT
    A term sometimes employed to describe verbiage inserted in a pleading or indictment, over and above what is necessary to be set forth; or an objection to a plea or indictment on the ground of its falling to include such superfluous matter. See State v. Gallimon, 24 N. C. 377; More...
  • REFORM
    To correct, rectify, amend, remodel. Instruments inter partes may be reformed, when defective, by a court of equity. By this is meant that the court, after ascertaining the real and original Intention of the parties to a deed or other Instrument, (which intention they failed to sufficiently express, through some More...
  • REFORM ACTS
    A name bestowed on the statutes 2 Wm. IV. c. 45, and 30 A 31 Vict c. 102, passed to amend the representation of the people in England and Wales, which introduced extended amendments into the system of electing members of the house of commons.
  • REFORMATION
    See REFORM
  • REFORMATORY
    This term is of too wide and uncertain signification to support a bequest for the building of a "boys' reformatory." It Includes all places and institutions in which efforts are made either to cultivate the intellect, instruct the conscience, or improve the conduct; places in which persons voluntarily assemble, receive More...
  • REFORMATORY SCHOOLS
    In English law. Schools to which convicted juvenile offenders (under sixteen) may be sent by order of the court before which they are tried, if the offense be punishable with penal servitude or imprisonment, and the sentence be to imprisonment for ten days or more. Wharton.
  • REFRESHER
    In English law. A further pr additional fee to counsel in a long 'case, which may be, but is not necessarily, allowed on taxation.
  • REFRESHING THE MEMORY
    The act of a witness who consults his documents, memoranda, or books, to bring more distinctly to his recollection the details of past events or transactions, concerning which he is testifying.
  • REFUND
    To repay or restore; to return money had by one party of another See RacklhT v. Greenbush, 93 Me. 99, 44 Atl. 375; Maynard v. Mechanics' Nat Bank, 1 Brewst. (Pa.) 484; Gutch v. Fosdlck, 48 N. J. Eq. 353, 22 Atl. 590, 27 Am. St. Rep. 473. -Refunding bond. More...
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