A clamorous or tumultuous quarrel in a public place, to the disturbance of the public peace. In English law, specifically, a noisy quarrel or other uproarious conduct creating a disturbance in a church or churchyard. 4 BL Comm 146; 4 Steph. Comm. 253. The popular meanings of the words "brawls" and "tumults" are substantially the same and identical. They are correlative terms, … [Read more...]

A crime, see burglary, where one trespasses and breaks into the home or property of another with the intent of committing a crime, usually theft. … [Read more...]

Latin for a judicial writing does not fail through defect of form. … [Read more...]

Typically referring to the violation of or failure to meet a legal obligation. Usually referring to contracts (see breach of contract) where a legal obligation under contract has failed to have been met by one of the parties, for example, a payment requirement. Law Dictionary - Alternative Legal Definition The breaking or violating of a law, right, or duty, either by commission … [Read more...]

The act of forcibly removing the fastenings of a house, so that a person may enter. 2. It is a maxim that every man's house is his castle, and it is protected from every unlawful invasion. An officer having a lawful process, of a criminal nature, authorizing him to do so, may break an outer door, if upon making a demand of admittance it is refused. The house may also be broken … [Read more...]