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SEMITA

Categories: Torts

Definition (1910 Edition)

SEMAYNE’S CASE. This case decided, in 1604, that “every man’s house (meaning his dwelling-house only) is his castle,” and that an officer executing civil process may not break open outer doors in general, but only inner doors, but that (after request made) he may break open even outer doors to find goods of another wrongfully in the house. Brown. It is reported in 5 Coke, 91.
Source: Black's Law Dictionary, 2nd Edition (1910) — Public Domain. UK commentary and modern updates are original additions. This entry is for educational reference only and does not constitute legal advice.