Latin: It is not clear. In the Roman courts, when any of the judges, after the hearing of a cause, were not satisfied that the case was made clear enough for them to pronounce a verdict, they were privileged to signify this opinion by casting a ballot inscribed with the letters "N. L.," the abbreviated form of the phrase "non liquet". … [Read more...]

torts, contracts. The non-performance of some act which ought to be performed. 2. When a legislative act requires a person to do a thing, its non feasance will subject the party to punishment; as, if a statute require the supervisors of the highways to repair such highways, the neglect to repair them may be punished. Vide 1 Russ. on Cr. 48. 3. Mere non-feasance does not imply … [Read more...]

An ancient writ addressed to justices of assize, to inquire whether the magistrates of a town sold victuals In gross or by retail during the time of their being in office, which was contrary to an obsolete statute; and to punish them if they did. Reg. Orig. 184. … [Read more...]

Lat. He did not make it A plea in an action of assumpsit on a promissory note. 3 Man. A G. 446. … [Read more...]

The name of a faulty replication to a plea of moderate castigavit. This replication, in such a case, is a negative. pregnant. … [Read more...]