That portion of a man's property which he Is free to dispose of by will to beneficiaries other than his wife and children. By the ancient common law, this amounted to one third of his estate if he was survived by both wife and children. 2 Bl. Comm. 492; Hopkins v. Wright, 17 Tex. 36. In the civil law (by the Lex Falcidia) it amounted to three fourths. Mackeld. Rom. Law, … [Read more...]

In maritime law. To deprive a seaman or petty officer of his "rating" or rank; to reduce to a lower rate or rank. … [Read more...]

To dismiss a case without the ability for the case to be refiled or brought again, a final decision and determination. … [Read more...]

To connect unequally; to "match unsuitably." … [Read more...]

To dismiss a case with the ability for the case to be refiled or brought again, a non-final decision and determination, usually done when a party acted in good faith was unable to collect sufficient evidence to prosecute at that time. It is possible that a judge will dismiss the case but provide the plaintiff or prosecutor with the ability to try the case again when sufficient … [Read more...]