criminal law. Those voluntarily made before a magistrate, or in a court, in the due course of legal proceedings. A preliminary examination, taken in writing, by a magistrate lawfully authorized, pursuant to a statute, or the plea of guilty, made in open court to an indictment, are sufficient to found a conviction upon them. … [Read more...]

(Judge's Certificate) English practice. The judge who tries the cause is authorized by several statutes in certain cases to certify, so as to decide when the party or parties shall or shall not be entitled to costs. It is of great importance in many cases, that these certificates should be obtained at the time of trial. 2. The Lord Chancellor often requires the opinion of the … [Read more...]

Latin: In the civil and old English law. To judge; to decide or determine judicially; to give judgment or sentence. … [Read more...]

Agreements entered into in consequence of an order of court; as, for example, entering into a bond on taking out a writ of sequestration. 6 N. S. 494. … [Read more...]

A freehold estate in lands or tenements secured to the wife, and to take effect on the decease of the husband, and to continue during her life at the least, unless she be herself the cause of its determination. Vance v. Vance, 21 Me 869. A competent livelihood of freehold for the wife of lands and tenements to take effect presently in possession or profit, after the decease of … [Read more...]