Directory

A provision in astatute, rule of procedure, or the like, is said to be directory when it is to be considered as a mere direction or instruction of no obligatory force, and involving no invalidating consequence for its disregard, a8 opposed to an imperative or mandatory provision, which must be followed. The general rule is that the prescriptions of a statute relating to the performance of a public duty are so far directory that, though neglect of them may be punishable, yet it does nob affect the validity of the acts dune under them, as in the case of a statute requiring an officer to prepare and deliver a document to another officer on or before a certain day. Maxw. Interp.

St. 330, et seq.