castle doctrine. Criminal law. An exception to the retreat rule allowing the use of deadly force by a person who is protecting his or her home and its inhabitants from attack, esp. from a trespasser who intends to commit a felony or inflict serious bodily harm. — Also termed dwelling defense; defense of habitation. See […]
almshouse. Archaic. A dwelling for the publicly or privately supported poor of a city or county.
messuage (mes-wij). A dwelling house together with the curtilage, including any outbuildings. See CURTILAGE.
capital punishment. The sentence of death for a serious crime. — Also termed death penalty. See DEATH PENALTY. “At Common Law capital punishment was imposed for a few very serious offences such as treason, murder, rape, and burning a dwelling-house. Even as late as 1688, despite the exceptionally rigorous laws which had been enacted during
capital punishment Read More »