punishment. In those states where the penitentiary system has been adopted, convicts who are to be imprisoned, as part of their punishment, are sentenced to perform hard labor. This labor is not greater than many freemen perform voluntarily, and the quantity required to be performed is not at all unreasonable. In the penitentiaries of Pennsylvania it consists in being employed … [Read more...]

A measure of length equal to four inches, used in measuring the height ot horses. A person's signature. In old English law. An oath. For the meaning of the terms "strong hand" and "clean hands," see those titles. That part of the human body at the end of the arm. 2. Formerly the hand was considered as the symbol of good faith, and some contracts derive their names from the … [Read more...]

In Saxon law. A fine for illegal hanging of a thief, or for allowing him to escape. Immunity from such fine. Du Cange. … [Read more...]

Lawful coined money. Henry v. Bank of Salina, 5 Hill (N. Y.) 523, 536. … [Read more...]

An appellate court is said to "hand down" its decision in a.case, when the opinion is prepared and filed for transmission to the court below. … [Read more...]