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This is the name of an old writ which directs the sheriff to inquire whether a man be an idiot or not. The inquisition is to be made by a jury of twelve men. Fitzh. Nat Brev. 232. And, if the man were found an Idiot, the profits of his lands and the custody of his person might be granted by the king to any subject who had interest enough to obtain them. 1 Bl. Comm. 303. … [Read more...] about IDIOTA INQUIRENDO, WRIT DE

Latin: The same for the same. An illustration of a kind that really adds no additional element to the consideration of the question. Idem semper antecedenti proximo refertur. Co. Litt. 685. "The same" is always referred to its next antecedent. … [Read more...] about IDEM PER IDEM

The refusal or neglect to engage in any lawful employment, in order to gain a livelihood. 2. The vagrant act of 17 G. II. c. 5, which, with some modifications, has been adopted, in perhaps most of the states, describes idle persons to be those who, not having wherewith to maintain themselves, live idle, without employment, and refuse to work for the usual and common, wages. … [Read more...] about IDLENESS

Abbreviation for ibidem. … [Read more...] about IBID

This word is used in references, when it is intended to say that a thing is to be found in the same place, or that the reference has for its object the same thing, case, or other matter. IOU, contracts. The memorandum IOU, (I owe you), given by merchants to each other, is a mere evidence of the debt, and does not amount to a promissory note. Lat. In the same place; in the same … [Read more...] about IBIDEM