Autrefois

Autrefoits, Autrefez. L. Fr. At another time; formerly; before; heretofore. See infra. Autrefois acquit. L. Fr. (Formerly acquitted.) In criminal law. A plea by a criminal to an indictment that he has been formerly acquitted on an indictment for the same offence. It being a maxim of the common law, that no man is to be brought into jeopardy more than once for the same offence, it is allowed as a consequence, that when a man is once fairly found not guilty upon any indictment or other prosecution, before any court having competent jurisdiction of the offence, he may plead such acquittal in bar of any subsequent accusation for the same crime. 4 Chitt. Bl. Com. 335, and notes. 4 Steph. Com. 404, and note (r).

1 Chitt. Crim. Law, 452—460. 1 Russell on Crimes, 831. Wharton's Am. Crim. Law, 136—146.

U. S. Digest, Autrefois acquit, and Autrefois convict. Autrefois convict. L. Fr. (Formerly convicted.) In criminal law. A plea by a criminal in bar to an indictment, that he has been formerly convicted of the same identical crime.

4 Chitt. Bl. Com. 336. 4 Steph. Com. 404. 1 Chitt. Crim. Law, 462.

See Autrefois acquit. Autrefois attaint. L. Fr. (Formerly attainted.) In English criminal law. A plea of former attainder, in bar to an indictment.

4 Bl. Com. 336. 4 Steph. Com. 405, 6.

AUTRE or AUTER VIE. L. Fr.

Another's life

A person holding an estate for or during the life of another is called a tenant pur autre vie, or pur terme d'auter vie. Litt. sect.

56. 2 Bl. Com. 120.