Semble

Defined in 5 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Kinney (1893), Anderson (1889), Abbott (1879)

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

It seems; a dictum holds.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

L. Fr. It seems; it would appear. This expression is often used in the reports to preface a statement by the court upon a point of law which is not directly decided, when such statement is intended as an intimation of what the decision would be If the point wore necessary to he passed upon. It Is also used to introduce a suggestion by the reporter or his understanding of the point decided when It is not free from obscurity.

A Law Dictionary and Glossary

George C. Kinney · 1893

I. fr. Seems; it seems. A word used to introduce an opinion on a point not definitely settled, or an opinion as to the bearing of some decision on a particular point; an unsettled opinion of the court.

A Dictionary of Law

William C. Anderson · 1889

^ It seems; seemingly. In written decisions, and in notes to cases, indicates that the statement following is an expression of opinion as to what a decision on the particular point would be. Compare Dictum, 3.

Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence

Benjamin Vaughan Abbott · 1879

It seems. A word frequently used in judicial opinions and in the syllabi of reporters, to denote that what follows it is an expression of opinion on some point not directly involved in the case, or not necessary to be decided, and therefore obiter dictum. Such an expression of opinion is valued only as an indication of what would probably be the decision of the court or judge upon such a question when properly submitted.