Bellighrent

In international law. A term used to designate either of two nations which are actually in a state of war with each other, as well as their allies actively co-operating; as distinguished from a nation which takes no part in the war and maintains a strict indifference as between the contending parties, called a "neutral." Bello parta cedunt reipublicae. Things acquired in war belong or go to the state. 1 Kent, Comm. 101; 5 C. Rob. Adm. 173, 181; 1 Gall. 558. The right to all captures vests primarily in the sovereign. A fundamental maxim of public law.