To die without children. At common law this phrase imports an indefinite failure of issue and not a dying without issue surviving at the time of the death of the first taker. But this rule has been changed in some of the states by statute or decisions. At common law this phrase imports an indefinite failure of issue, and not a dying without issue surviving at the time of the … [Read more...]

In its most usual signification this word is the synonym of imposts or customs ; but it is sometimes used in a broader sense, as including all manner of taxes, charges, or governmental impositions. Duties of detraction. Taxes levied upon the removal from one state to another of property acquired by succession or testamentary disposition. Frederickson v. Louisiana, 23 How. 445, … [Read more...]

An officer who has the care and oversight of the dykes and drains in fenny counties. … [Read more...]

natural law. A human action which is, exactly conformable to the laws which require us to obey them. 2. It differs from a legal obligation, because a duty cannot always be enforced by the law; it is our duty, for example, to be temperate in eating, but we are under no legal obligation to be so; we ought to love our neighbors, but no law obliges us to love them. 3. Duties may be … [Read more...]

When a judge strongly informs and suggests to deadlocked jury that it return to the jury room and make a better effort to reach a verdict. In some instance, such charges may be declared unconstitutional. Also known as a shotgun instruction or Allen charge. … [Read more...]