P

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

A statement attached to the beginning of the U.S. Constitution which reads: … [Read more...] about PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION

The kind and degree of evidence prescribed in advance (as, by statute) as requisite for the proof of certain facts or the establishment of certain Instruments. It is opposed to casual evMence, which is left to grow naturally out of the surrounding circumstances. … [Read more...] about PREAPPOINTED EVIDENCE

The right of being heard before another. A privilege belonging to the English bar, the members of which are entitled to be heard in their order, according to rank, beginning with the king's attorney general, and ending with barristers at large. 3 Steph. Comm. 387, note. … [Read more...] about PREAUDIENCE

In English ecclesiastical law. A stipend granted in cathedral churches; also, but Improperly, a prebendary. A simple prebend is merely a revenue; a prebend with dignity has some jurisdiction attached to it The term "prebend" is generally confounded with "canonicate;" but there is a difference between them. The former is the stipend granted to an ecclesiastic in consideration of … [Read more...] about PREBEND