Libel
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
practice. In the admiralty courts and some other courts, a libel is a statement or charge drawn up in writing on behalf of the plaintiff It must consist of a narration and a conclusion. It answers the same purpose that a declaration does in courts of law, or a bill in a court of equity.
Vide 1 Bro. Civ. Law, 461; Proct. Pr. h. t.; 2 Chit. Pr. 487, 533; Com. Dig. Admiralty, E 20; Dunlap’s Adm. Pract. Index, h.t.