Contentious Jurisdiction

In ebclesiastical law. That which exists in cases where there is an action or judicial process, and matter in dispute is to be heard and determined between party and party. It is to be distinguished from voluntary juristration, and the like. 3 Sharswood, Bl. Comm. 66.

In Ecclesiastical Law. That which exists in cases where there is an action or judicial process and matter in dispute is to be heard and determined between party and party. It is to be distinguished from voluntary jurisdiction, which exists in cases of taking probate of wills, granting letters of administration, and the like. 3 Bla. Com. 66. CONTENTMENT (or, more properly, conwith, and by reason of, his freehold; or that which is necessary for the support and maintenance of men, agreeably to their several qualities or states of life. Cowell; 4 Bla. Com. 379.

In English ecclesiastical law. That branch of the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical courts which is exercised upon adversary or contentious proceedings.

Defined under Contentious in Black's Law Dictionary.

In English ecclesiastical law. That branch of the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical courts, which is exercised upon matters in controversy between parties, as brought before the court by action, or other judicial process; in contradistinction to voluntary jurisdiction, which is exercised upon matters not opposed, or controverted, such as the granting of probate of wills, letters of administration, and the like.* 3 Bl.Com. 66. This term is derived from the civil law. Heinecc. JSlem. Jur. Civ. lib. 4, Ut. 17, § 1323. To CONTEST. [Lat. contestari, to call to witness.] To defend a suit or other judicial proceeding; to dispute, oppose or resist a claim by course of law; to litigate, on the part of a defendant.* This word has entirely lost the original sense of its Latin form contestari, which, in the old Roman law, was applied primarily to the proceedings on the part of the plaintiff. When the plaintiflf opened the proceedings before the praetor, by stating his cause of action, it was the custom for him to call upon the by-standers to act as witnesses, which act was called antestari, or contestari. Festus de Verb. Signif voc. Contestari, Therefore it was always said of the plaintiff, actor litem coniestatur, (the plaintiff contests the suit.) I>iff. 46. 2. 28. See Contestatio li Osi l^^*^^ 35