Piracy

In Criminal Law. A robbery or forcible depredation on the high seas, without lawful authority, done animo furandi, in the spirit and intention of universal hostility.

3 Wheat. (U. S.) 610; 5 Wheat. (U. S.) 153, 163; 3 Wash. C. C. (U. S.) 209.

This is the definition of this offense by the law of nations. 1 Kent, Comm. 183. "A pirate is one who roves the seas in an armed vessel, without any commission from any sovereign, and for the purpose of seizing by force and appropriating to himself every vessel which he may meet." Trial of Savannah Privateers, p.

371.

The commission upon the high seas of such acts of robbery and depredation as would, if committed on land, have amounted to a felony.

4 Bl. Comm. 72.

In Torts. By piracy is understood the plagiarism of a book, engraving, or other work for which a copyright has been taken out. When a piracy has been made of such a work, an injunction will be granted.

4 Ves. 681; 5 Ves. 709; 12 Ves. 270.

See "Copyright." PIRATA EST HOSTIS HUMANI GENERIS. A pirate is an enemy of the human race.

3 Inst. 113.