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Dictionary of Law Terms: Canon

Canon Law. A collection of ecclesiastical constitutions, definitions and rules, derived from the ancient councils, the writings of the fathers, ordinances of popes, etc.. At the Reformation it was enacted that a review should be had of the Canon Law; but that, until such review, the existing law should continue in force, except as far as the same should be repugnant to the law of the land or the royal prerogatives-this still remains the state of the law, such review never having been made. The canons of 1603 having been made by the clergy, and confirmed. by the king, James I., alone, but not by Parliament, do not bind the laity. Capias. A writ authorizing the arrest of a defendant in a civil suit. Capias ad Respondendum. A writ of capias issued at the beginning of a suit. Capias ad Satisfaciendum, or Ca-sa. The writ of capias when issued after judgment: so termed because the defendant is taken to satisfy the plaintift's demands.. Caption. The act of arresting a man.

Carrier. A person whose business it is to carry goods, for the proper delivery and safety of which he is legally responsible.