Forfeiture

[L. Fr. forfaicture, from forfaire; L. Lvki. forisfaetura, forfactura.] The loss of what belongs to one, by some fault, misconduct or transgression of law. An involuntary or compulsory transfer or surrender, consequent upon one's own unlawful or wrongful act.* See To Forfeit Of this the fo Bowing are the principal varieties. The loss of land, or an estate in land, by one individual to another, as a punishment for some illegal act or negligence in relation to it; as for some alienation contrary to law, or the breach of some condition.

2 Bl. Com. 267, 274, 284. 1 Steph, Com, 421. 4 Kent's Com. 128.

2 Crahb's Real Prop. 89, § 1061, (Am. ed. note.) The loss of land by a tenant to his Tord, as the consequence of some breach of fidelity.

1 Steph. Com. 166.

The loss of goods or chattels, as a punishment for some crime or misdemeanour in the party forfeiting, and as a compensation for the offence and injury committed against him to whom they are forfeited.

2 Bl Com. ^20.

The loss of lands and ^oods to the state, as the consequence of crime.

4 Bl. Com. 381,.387. 4 SUph. Com. 447, 452. 2 Ken Vs Com. 885. 4 Id. 426.

The loss of a certain sum of money as the consequence of violating the provisions of some statute, or refusal to comply with some requirement of law. The loss of ofl Bce, by abuser, non user, or refusal to exercise it.

1 Crabb*9 Real Prop. 456, § 576, et seq.

The loss of life, as the consequence of the commission of some capital crime. For the American law of forfeiture in general, see the statutes of the several states, and of the United States, and see U. S. Digest and Supplement, Forfeiture,