pleading. One granted upon a prayer, in which the defendant reserves to himself no exceptions, and is always from one term to another. 2. After such imparlance, the defendant cannot plead to the jurisdiction nor in abatement, but only to the action or merits. See Imparlance. … [Read more...]

pleading. One preceded by a general inducement, and denying, in general terms, all that is last before alleged on the opposite side, instead of pursuing the words of the allegations, which it denies. Gould on Pl. vii. 5, 6. 2. Of this sort of traverse, the replication de injuria sua propria, absque tali causa, in answer to a justification, is a familiar example. … [Read more...]

The instructions given by a judge to a jury after trial and prior to jury deliberation. A verdict is to be delivered based upon the instructions of the judge, such as how the law is applied to the facts of the case. … [Read more...]

An ordinary verdict which announces which party has won a case. … [Read more...]

pleading. A plea which traverses or denies at once the whole indictment or declaration, without offering any special matter, to evade it. It is called the general issue, because, by importing an absolute and general denial of what is alleged in the indictment or declaration, it amounts at once to an issue. 2 Bl. Com. 305. 2. The general issue in criminal cases, is, not guilty. … [Read more...]