Reason

That power by which we distinguish truth from falsehood and right from wrong, and by which we are enabled to combine means for the attainment of particular ends. Encyclopedic; Shelf. Lun. Introd. xx vi. Ratio in jure wquitas Integra. A man deprived of reason is not, in many cases, criminally responsible for his acts, nor can he enter into any contract. Reason is called the soul of the law; for when the reason ceases the law itself ceases. Co. Litt. 97, 183: 1 Bla. Com. 70: 7 Toullier, n. 506; Maxims, Cessante ratione t etc.

By reason is usually understood that power by which we distinguish truth from falsehood, and right from wrong; and by which we are enabled to combine means for the attainment of particular ends. Encyclopédie, h. t.; Shef. on Lun. Introd. xxvi. A man deprived of reason is not criminally responsible for his acts, nor can he enter into any contract. Reason is called the soul of the law; for when the reason ceases, the law itself ceases. Co. Litt. 97, 183; 1 Bl. Com. 70; 7 Toull. n. 566. In Pennsylvania, the judges are required in giving their opinions, to give the reasons upon which they are founded. A similar law exists in France, which Toullier says is one of profound wisdom, because, he says, les arréts ne sont plus comme autre fois des oracles muets qui commandent une obéissance passive; leur autorité irréfragable pour ou contre ceux qui tend les eriger en régles a suivre en REBELLION, COMMISSION d’autres cas semblables, vol.6,n. 301.;OF. Vide Commission of Rebel-