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...]

In military law. A commission by which an officer is promoted to the next higher rank, but without conferring a right to a corresponding increase of Pay. In French law. A privilege or warrant granted by the government to a private person, authorizing him to take a special benefit or exercise an exclusive privilege. Thus a brevet d'invention is a patent for an invention. … [Read more...]

The failure to keep condidential items confidential as per an agreement. … [Read more...]

A metaphorical expression, signifying the conscience, discretion, or recollection of the judge. During the term of a court, the record is said to remain "in the breast of the judges of the court and in their remembrance." Co. Litt 260a; 3 Bl. Comm. 407. … [Read more...]

Latin: Writs. The plural of breve, which see. Brevia adversaria. Adversary writs; writs brought by an adversary to recover land. 6 Coke, 67. Brevia amicabilia. Amicable or friendly writs; writs brought by agreement or consent of the parties. Brevia anticipan tia. At common law. Anticipating or preventive writs. Six were included in this category, viz.: Writ of mesne; voarrantia … [Read more...]