COUNCIL

An assembly of persons for the purpose of concerting measures of state or municipal policy; hence called “councillors.” In American law. The legislative body in the government of cities or boroughs. An advisory body selected to aid the executive; particularly in the colonial period (and at present in some of the United States) a body appointed to advise and assist the governor in his executive or judicial capacities or both. Common council. In American law. The lower or more numerous branch of the legislative assembly of a city. In English law. The councillors of the city of Jxmdon. The parliament, also, was anciently called the “common council of the realm.” Fleta, 2, 13. Privy council. See that title. Select council. The name given, in some states, to the upper house or branch of the council of a city.