The earliest statute or code of Roman law, framed by a commission of ten men, B. C. 450, upon the return of a commission of three who had been sent abroad to study foreign laws and institutions. The Twelve Tables consisted partly of laws transcribed from the Institutions of other nations, partly of such as were altered and accommodated to the manners of the Romans, partly of … [Read more...]

punishment. A species of cart; according to Lord Coke, a dung-cart. 2. This instrument, like the pillory, was used as a means of exposure; and according to some authorities, it seems to have been synonymous with the trebucket or ducking stool. … [Read more...]

contracts. A base or vile consideration, forbidden by law, which makes the contract void; as a contract, the consideration of which is the future illegal cohabitation of the obligee with the obligor. … [Read more...]

Under St 18 Car. II. St 1, c 5, this was a misdemeanor, and consisted in more than twenty persons signing any petition to the crown or either house of parliament for the alteration of matters established by law in church or state, unless the contents thereof had been approved by three justices, or the majority of the grand jury at assises or quarter sessions. No petition could … [Read more...]

Everything done contrary to justice, honesty, modesty or good morals, is said to be done with turpitude. … [Read more...]