F

An estate tail; an estate of inheritance given to a man and the heirs of his body, or limited to certain classes of particular heirs. It corresponds to the feudum talliatum of the feudal law, and the idea is believed to have been borrowed from the Roman law, where, by way of fidei commissa, lands might be entailed upon children and freedmen and their descendants, with … [Read more...] about FEE-TAIL

The federal Act which requires an employer to contribute to the unemployment insurance fund which pays unemployment benefits. … [Read more...] about FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT TAX ACT

In old English law. A thief caught while escaping with the stolen goods In his possession. Spelman. … [Read more...] about FEGANGI

Essays published by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay in the 18th century advocating the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in New York which had already been adopted earlier by Philadelphia. … [Read more...] about FEDERALIST PAPERS

The name given to certain secret tribunals which flourished in Germany from the end of the twelfth century to the middle of the sixteenth, usurping many of the functions of the governments which were too weak to maintain law and order, and inspiring dread in all who came within their jurisdiction. Euc. Brit. Such a court existed in Westphalia (though with greatly diminished … [Read more...] about FEHMGERICHTE