Semayne's Case

This case decided, in 2 Jac. I., that "every man's house [meaning his dwelling-house only] is his castle," and that the defendant may not break open outer doors in general, but only inner doors, but that (after request made) he may break SEMBLE (Fr. it seems). A term frequently used before the statement oi a point of law which has not been directly settled, but about which the court have expressed an opinion, and intimated what a decision would be.