P

The act or state of going before; adjustment of place. Precedence, patent of. In English law. A grant from the crown to such barristers as it thinks proper to honor with that mark of distinction, whereby they are entitled to such rank and preaudience as are assigned in their respective patents. 3 Steph. Comm. 274. … [Read more...] about PRECEDENCE, OR PRECEDENCY

An engagement entered into by a person, which renders him unable to enter into another; as a promise or covenant of marriage to be had afterwards. When made per verba de presenti, it is in fact a marriage, and in that case the party making it cannot marry another person. A contract or engagement made by a person, which is of such a nature as to preclude him from lawfully … [Read more...] about PRECONTRACT

(A) chan. pleading. This is the name of that part of the bill, which, as the phrase imports, prays for relief. This prayer is either general or special but the general course is for the plaintiff to make a special prayer for particular relief to which he thinks himself entitled, and then to conclude with a prayer of general relief at the discretion of the court. (B) It is what … [Read more...] about PRAYER FOR RELIEF

chanc. plead. That part of a bill which prays that the defendant be compelled to appear and answer the bill, and abide the determination of the court on the subject, is called prayer of process. This prayer must contain the name's of all Persons who are intended to be made parties. is a petition with which a bill in equity used to conclude, to the effect that a writ of subpoena … [Read more...] about PRAYER OF PROCESS

An introductory statement to something which explains the purpose and/or objectives of the document or instrument, e.g. the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. A clause at the beginning of a constitution or statute explanatory of the reasons for its enactment and the objects sought to be accomplished. … [Read more...] about PREAMBLE