Franchise
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
This word has several significations; 1, it is a right reserved to the people by the constitution, hence we say the elective franchise, to designate the right of the people to elect their officers.
2.
It isa certain privilege conferred by grant from the government, and vested in individuals. Corporations, or bodies politic, are the most usual franchises known to our law.. They have been classed among incorporeal hereditaments, perhaps improperly, merous; ‘they are said to be royal privileges in the hands of a subject.
Vide 3 Kent, Com. 366; Cruise Dig. tit. 27; 2 Bl. Com. 37; 15 Serg. & Rawle, 130; Finch, 164.