The Law Dictionary

Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

DEFINE Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

To explain or state the exact meaning of words and phrases; to settle,make clear, establish boundaries. U. S. v. Smith, 5 Wheat. 100, 5 L. Ed. 57; Walters v.Richardson, 93 Ky. 374, 20 S. W. 279; Miller v. Improvement Co., 99 Va. 747, 40 S. E.27, 80 Am. St. Rep. 924; Gould v. Ilutchins, 10 Me. 145.”An examination of our Session Laws will show that acts have frequently beenpassed, the constitutionality of which has never been questioned, where the powersand duties conferred could not be considered as merely explaining or making moreclear those previously conferred or attempted to be. although the word ‘define’ wasused in the title. In legislation it is frequently used in the creation, enlarging, and extending the powers and duties ofboards and officers, in defining certain offenses and providing punishment for thesame, aud thus enlarging and extending the scope of the criminal law. And it is properlyused in the title where the object of the act is to determine or fix boundaries, moreespecially where a dispute has arisen concerning them. It is used between difEerentgovernments, as to define the extent of a kingdom or country.” People v. Bradley, 30 Mich. 452.

Disclaimer

This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.