Protection

In Mercantile Law. The name of a document generally given by notaries public to sailors and other persons going abroad, in which is certified that the bearer therein named is a citizen of the United States. In Governmental Law. That benefit or safety which the government affords to the citizens. In English Law. A privilege granted by the king to a party to an action, by which he is protected from a judgment which would otherwise be rendered against him. Of these protections there are several kinds.

Fitzh. Nat. Brev. 65.