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Dictionary of Law Terms: False

Extra-judicial. Any act done by a judge beyond his authority, or any opinion expressed by him not strictly pertinent to the matter in issue before him. False Pretences. The criminal offence of obtaining any chattel, money, or valuable security by means of a false pretence; it is punishable by transportation, fine, or imprisonment.

False Return. An incorrect account, given by a sheriff, of his doings under a writ of execution, for which he is liable to an action.

Falsi Crimen. A fraudulent concealment of the truth. Fee-simple. That estate or interest in lands which a person holds to him and his heirs for ever. During his life he possesses over it a perfectly free and unrestrained power of dispositon, and on his death, without having alienated it by deed or will, it descends to his heirs, both lineal and collateral, male and female, according to an established order of descent.

Felo-de-se. One who commits self-murder.

Felony. Formerly defined as comprising "all capital crimes below treason." It may now more accurately be defined as comprising all crimes occasioning a forfeiture of lands or goods, or both, to which capital or other punishment may be added. Feme-covert. A married woman.

Feme-sole. An unmarried woman.