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constitution

Latin. constituere, to make to stand together, to establish. Originally, an important decree or edict. Later, the laws and usages which gave a government its characteristic features - the organic law. The constitution of England consists of customs, statutes, common laws, and decisions of fundamental importance. American constitutions are enacted; but the meaning of much of them is found in decided cases. Lieber, Eneye, Am., tit. Constitution. The body of rules and maxims in accordance with which the powers of sovereignty are habitually exercised. Cooley, Prine. Const. Law, 22-23. Constitutions guard the rights of personal security, personal liberty, private property, and of religious profession and worship. 1 Kent, 407. Constitutions are instruments of a practical nature, founded on the common business of human life, adapted to common wants, designed for common use, and fitted for common understandings. 1 Story, Const. § 451; 7 Tex. Ap. 210; 24 N.Y 486.

Source : William C. Anderson, A Dictionary of Law (1893)

Language : English

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