Influence
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
Authority, credit, ascendance. Influence is proper or improper. Proper influence is that which one person gains over another by acts of kindness and attention, and by correct conduct, 3 Serg. & Rawle, 269. Improper influence is that dominion acquired by any person over a mind of sanity for general purposes, and of sufficient soundness and discretion to regulate his affairs in general, which prevents the exercise of his discretion, and destroys his free will.
1 Cox’s Cas. 355.
When the former is used to induce a testator.to make a will, it will not vitiate it, but when the latter is the moving cause, the will cannot stand.
1 Hage. R. 581; 2 Hagg. 142; 5 Serg. & Rawle, 207; 13 Serg. & Rawle, 323.