Imperium

Dominion; authority; jurisdiction. Divisum. imperium. A divided jurisdiction; jurisdiction belonging to more than one tribunal, or exercised alternately, between powers. As, the jurisdiction of common-law and admiralty courts exercised between high and low water- mark; the jurisdiction exercised concurrently by commonlaw and equity courts. Im.perium in imperio. A power within a power; a sovereignty within a sovereignty; a jurisdiction within a jurisdiction.^ IMPEETINElfCE. The introduction of any matter in a bill, answer, or other pleading or proceeding in a suit, which is not pi-operly before the court for decision at any particular stage of the suit.^ The court will not strike out the matter unless its impertinence clearly appears; for if erroneously stricken out, the error is irremediable; if left to stand, the court may set the matter right in taxing the costs. Matter which is scandalous (g. v.) is also impertinent,* The test is, would the matter, if put in issue, be proper to be given in evidence. ^ Impertinent.

See Pertinent.