ACT

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ACT

ACT

ACT

ACT

ACT, legislation. A statute or law made by a legislative body; as an act of congress is a law by the congress of the United States; an act of assemblyis a law made by a legislative assembly. If an act of assembly expire or berepealed while a proceeding under it is in fieri or pending, the proceedingbecomes abortive; as a prosecution for an offence, 7 Wheat. 552; or aproceeding under insolvent laws. 1 Bl. R. 451; Burr. 1456 ; 6 Cranch, 208 ;9 Serg. & Rawle, 283. 2. Acts are general or special; public or private. A general or publicact is a universal rule which binds the whole community; of which the courtsare bound to take notice ex officio. 3. Explanatory acts should not be enlarged by equity Blood's case,Comb. 410; although such acts may be allowed to have a retrospectiveoperation. Dupin, Notions de Droit, 145. 9. 4. Private or special acts are rather exceptions, than rules; beingthose which operate only upon particular persons and private concerns; ofthese the courts are not bound to take notice, unless they are pleaded. Com.85, 6; 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 105.

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