(A) Short for last will and testament and is the document in which a person specifies what is to be done with his or her property upon death and who shall be named executor to ensure the proper distribution occurs. (B) criminal law. The power of the mind which directs the actions of a man. 2. In criminal law it is necessary that there should be an act of the will to commit a crime, for unless the act is willful it is no offence. 3. It is the consent of the will which renders human actions commendable or culpable, and where there is no win there can be no transgression. 4. The defect or want of will may be classed as follows: 1. Natural, as that of infancy. 2. Accidental; namely, 1st. Dementia. 2d. Casualty or chance. 3d. Ignorance. 3. Civil; namely, 1st. Civil subjection. 2d. Compulsion. 3d. Necessity. 4th. Well-grounded fear.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
A will is the legal expression of a man’s wishes as to the disposition of his property after his death. An instrument in writing, executed in form of law, by which a person makes a disposition of his property, to take effect after his death. Except where it would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the legislature, the word “will” shall extend to a testament, and to a codicil, and to an appointment by will, or by writing in the nature of a will, in exercise of a power; and also to any other testamentary disposition. Code Va. 1887,