Legal Term: ANCIENT WRITINGS

Definition: evidence. Deeds, wills, and other writings more than thirty years old, are considered ancient writings. They may in general be read in evidence, without any other proof of their execution than that they have been in the possession of those claiming rights under them. Tr. per Pais, 370, 7 East, R. 279, 4 Esp. R. 1, 9 Ves. Jr. 5, 3 John. R. 292, 1 Esp. R. 275, 5 T. R. 259, 2 T. R. 466, 2 Day"s R. 280. But in the case of deeds, possession must have accompanied them. Plowd. 6, 7. See Blath. Pres. 271, n. (2.)

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