Person
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 is applied to men, women, and children, who are called natural persons. It is also used to denote a corporation, which is an artificial person.
1 Bl. Com. 123.
Natural persons are divided into males, or men; and females, or women. Men are capable of all kinds of engagements and functions, unless by reasons applying to particular individuals. Women cannot be appointed to any public office, nor perform any civil functions, except those which the law specially declares them capable of exercising. Civ. Code of Lo. art.
25.
They are also sometimes divided into free persons and slaves. Freemen are those who have preserved their natural liberty, that is to say, is one who is in the power of a master to whom he belongs. Slaves are sometimes ranked not with persons but things. Vide Man.