CONTRA

Against, confronting, oppo· site to; on the other han<J; on the contrary. The word is used in many Latin phrases, as appears by the following titles. In the books of reports, contra, appended to the name of a judge or counsel, indicates that he held e. view of the matter in argument contr01ry to that next before advanced. Also, after citation ol' cases in support of a position, contra is often prefixed to citations of cases opposed to it. -Contra bonos mores. Against good morals. Contracts contra bonos mores are void.-Con• tra form am collation is. In old English law. A writ that i ued where lands ~iven in perpetual alms to lay houses of religion, or to an -abbot and convent, or to the warden or master of an hospital and his convent, to find certain poor men with nece aries, and do divine sen'· ice, etc., were alienated, to the disherison of the house and church.' By means of this writ the donor or his heirs could recover the lands. Reg. Orig. 238; Fitzh. Nat. Brev. 210.-Contra form am. don i. Against the form of the grant. See FORMED ON.-Contra form am feo:fl'ament i. In old English law. A writ that lay for the heir of a tenant, enfeo:ffed of certain land111 or tenements,. by charter of feofl'ment.from a lord to malj:e certain services and suits to his court, who 'was afterwards distrained for more services than were ment i,oned in the charter. Reg. Orig. 176; Old Nat. Brev. 162.--Contra form am statuti. In criminal pleading. (Contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided.) The usual conclusion of every indictment,· etc., brought ·ror an offense created by statute.--Contra.ins belH. Lat. Against the law of war. 1 Kent, Comm. 6.-, Contra jua oomm.une. Against comm.on '. right o_r. law • contrary to ~e.rule of the com- • [s. 266]