Scotch law. A life-rent given by law to the surviving husband, of all his wife's heritage of which she died infeft, if there was a child of the marriage born alive. The child born of the marriage must be the mother's heir. If she had a child by a former marriage, who is to succeed to her estate, the husband has no right to the curtesy while such child is alive; so that the … [Read more...]

Running; now in transit; whatever is at present in course of passage; as "the current month." When applied to money, it means "lawful;" current money is equivalent to lawful money. Wharton v. Morris, 1 Dall. 124, 1 L. Ed. 65. Current account. An open, running, or unsettled account between two parties. Tucker v. Quimby, 37 Iowa, 19; Franklin v. Camp, 1 N. J. Law, 196; Wilson v. … [Read more...]

The name of King Edward the Confessor's sword. It is said that the point of it was broken, as an emblem of mercy. (Mat. Par. in Hen. III.) Wharton. … [Read more...]

See current liability. … [Read more...]

The inclosed space of ground and buildings immediately surrounding a dwelling-house. In its most comprehensive and proper legal signification, it includes all that space of ground and buildings thereon which is usually inclosed within the general fence immediately surrounding a principal messuage and outbuildings, and yard closely adjoining to a dwelling-house, but it may be … [Read more...]