Stroud, Frederick, 1835-1912.
Stroud's Judicial Dictionary of Words and Phrases : English Law
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The Judicial Dictionary Of Words And Phrases Judicially Interpreted, 1890 |
Frederick Stroud did not intend his work to compete with that of Jacob or Tomlins, but instead created his dictionary to define words and phrases "so far as that language has received interpretation by the Judges," quoting the actual judicial exposition whenever possible. He wanted its use to be widespread, not limited to England but transported to "the colonies and dependencies of the queen" as well. Stroud eloquently praised the judges whose opinions he had studied for more than twenty years in the consideration and writing of this book: "It is extraordinary that so many minds, working through so many centuries, and upon such various matters, should have been able so harmoniously to lay down the law for such an expansive and ever-widening civilization such as that of the British Empire."
This dictionary has been called indispensable, piquant, and even, at times, funny due to some of its archaic references. The editors of the sixth edition claim, "It remains the sole or most accessible key to a number of ancient words and expressions which have passed from normal usage long ago." Some considered Stroud's work to be the most authoritative English law dictionary well into the twentieth century. The author originally conceived that the volume would be kept up to date by the addition of periodical supplements, and is still updated by these means in its sixth edition (2000), which is also available electronically.
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