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CONTRA PACEM Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

Against the peace. A phrase used in the Latin forms of indictments, and also of actions for trespass, to signify that the offense alleged was committed against the public peace, i. e., involved a breach of the peace. The full formula was contra paccm domini regis, against the peace of the lord the king. In moderu pleading, in this country, the phrase “against the peace of the commonwealth” or “of the people” is used.

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