A senator, or a judge of the Areopagus. Solon first established the Areopagites; although some say, they were established in the time of Cecrops, (Anno Mundi, 2553,) the year that Aaron, the brother of Moses, died; that Draco abolished the order, and Solon reestablished it. Demosthenes, in his harangue against Aristocrates, before the Areopagus, speaks of the founders of that … [Read more...]

(1) Also sometimes referred to as an arbiter, this is the adjudicating and presiding person to whom a dispute has been submitted for arbitration. (2) A private extraordinary judge chosen by the parties who have a matter in dispute, invested with power to decide the same. Arbitrators are so called because they have generally an arbitrary power, there being in common no appeal … [Read more...]

In feudal law. A service of keeping a bow for the lord's use in the defense of his castle. Co. Litt 157. … [Read more...]

A tribunal established in ancient Athens, bore this name. It is variously represented; some considered as having been a model of justice and perfection, while others look upon it as an aristocratic court, which had a very extended jurisdiction over all crimes and offences, and which exercised an absolute power. … [Read more...]

In Spanish and Mexican law. Taxes imposed by municipalities on certain articles of merchandise, to defray the general expenses of government, in default of revenues from "proprios," i.e., lands owned by the municipality, or the income of which was legally set apart for its support. Sometimes used in a wider sense, as meaning the resources of a town, including its privileges in … [Read more...]