A Law Dictionary Volume 1; Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America, and of the Several States of the American Union with References to the Civil and Other Systems of Foreign Law (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 Excerpt: ...ACT, criminal law. The common name for the statute 22 and 23 Car. II. c. 1; it having been enacted in consequence of an assault on Sir John Coventry in the street, and slitting his nose, in revenge, as was supposed, for some obnoxious words uttered by him in parliament. 2. By this statute it is enacted, that if any person shall, of malice aforethought, and by laying in wait, unlawfully cut or disable the tongue, put out an eye, slit the nose, cut off the nose or lip, or cut off or disable any limb, or member of any other person, with intent to maim or disfigure him, such person, his counsellors, aiders and abettors, shall be guilty of felony, without benefit of clergy. 4 Bl. Com. 207. This statute is copied by the act of the legislature of Pennsylvania, of April 22, 1794, s. 6, 3 Smith's Laws of Pa. 188; and the offence is punished by fine and imprisonment. For the act of Connecticut, see 2 Swift's Dig. 293. COVERT, BARON. A wife; so called, from her being under the cover or protection of her husband, baron or lord. COVERTURE. The state or condition of a married woman. 2. During coverture, the being of the wife is civilly merged, for many purposes, into that of her husband; she can, therefore, in general, make no contracts without his consent, express or implied. Com. Dig. Baron and Feme, W; Pleader, 2 A 1; 1 Ch. PI. 19, 45; Litt. s. 28; Chit. Contr. 39; 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 276. 3. To this rule there are some exceptions; she may contract, when it is for her benefit, as to save her from starvation. Chit. Contr. 40. 4. In some cases, when coercion has been used by the husband to induce her to oommit crime, she is exempted from punishment. 1 Hale, P. C. 516; 1 Rnss. Cr. 16. COVIN, fraud. A secret contrivance between two or more persons to defraud and prejudice an...