Eng. law. To insure the trial, within a certain time, of all prisoners, a patent in the nature of a letter is issued from the king to certain persons, appointing them his justices, and authorizing them to deliver his goals. In the United States, the judges of the criminal courts are required to cause the accused to be tried within the times prescribed by the local statutes, and … [Read more...]

In old English law. A guardian, defender, or protector. In feudal law, gardio. Spelman. A warden. Gardianm ecclesiw, a churchwarden. Gardianus quinque portuum, warden of the Cinque Ports. Spelman. … [Read more...]

The keeper of a gaol or prison, one who has the legal custody of the place where prisoners are kept. 2. It is his duty to keep the prisoners in safe custody, and for this, purpose he may use all necessary force. 1 Hale, P. C. 601. But any oppression of a prisoner under a pretended necessity will be punished; for the prisoner, whether he be a debtor or a criminal, is entitled to … [Read more...]

In old English law. A garden. Reg. Orig. lb; 2. … [Read more...]

A warranty. Spelman. … [Read more...]