The English statute 1 Edw. II. St 2, (in Rev. St 23 Edw. I.,) a still unrepealed statute, whereby it is felony for a felon to break prison, but misdemeanor only for a misdemeanant to do so. 1 Hale, P. 0. 612. … [Read more...]

One held in confinement against his will. 2. Prisoners are of two kinds, those lawfully confined, and those unlawfully imprisoned. 3. Lawful prisoners are either prisoners charged with crimes, or for a civil liability. Those charged with crimes are either persons accused and not tried, and these are considered innocent, and are therefore entitled to be treated with as little … [Read more...]

One who has been captured while fighting under the banner of some state. He is a prisoner, although never confined in a prison. 2. In modern times, prisoners are treated with more humanity than formerly; the individual captor has now no personal right to his prisoner. Prisoners are under the superintendence of the government, and they are now frequently exchanged. 3. It is a … [Read more...]

Ready. In the old forms of oral pleading, this term expressed a tender or Joinder of issue. Prius vitiia laboravimus, nune legibus. 4 Inst 76. We labored flrst with vices, now with laws. … [Read more...]

The right of freedom against disturbance and observation by other people. … [Read more...]