Reprisals
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
war. The forcibly taking a thing by a nation which belonged to another, in return or satisfaction for an injury committed by the latter on the former.
Vatt. B. 2,ch. 18, s. 342; 1 Bl. Com. ch. 7.
Reprisals are used between nation and nation to do themselves justice, when they cannot otherwise obtain it. Congress have the power to grant letters of marque (q. v.) and reprisal. Const. art.
1, 8. 8, cl. 11.
Reprisals are made in two ways, either by embargo, in which case the act is that of the state; or, by letters of marque and reprisals, in which case the act is that of the citizen, authorised by the government.
Vide 2 Bro. Civ. Law, 334.