Law Dictionary

law

Latin  lex.   1. A rule of action dictated by a superior being. The command of a superior. 2. In an important use "law" excludes the methods and remedies peculiar to equity and admiralty, and confines the idea to the action of tribunals proceeding by fixed rules, and employing remedies operative directly upon the person or property of the individual; as, in the expressions; a court of law, a remedy at law, an action at law, at law. Compare Common Law. The term "law" accompanies many common words as a prefix or adjective, in senses largely self-explanatory; as, law-adviser, law-clerk, law-firm, law-maxims, or law-judge. Maxims: The contract makes the law. The law aids the vigilant; forces no one to do a vain, useless, or impossible thing; injures no one -- never works and injury; does nothing in vain; regards not trifles; regards equity; always gives a remedy; speaks to all with one mouth -- is no respecter of persons. What is just and right is the law of laws.

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

Language : English

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