MOLITER MANUS IMPOSUIT, pleading. In an action of trespass to the person,
the defendant frequently justifies by pleading that he used no more force
than was necessary to remove the plaintiff who, was unlawfully in the house
of the defendant, and for this purpose he gently laid his hands upon him,
molitur manus imposuit.
2. This plea may be used whenever the defendant laid hold of the
plaintiff to prevent his committing a breach of the peace.
3. When supported by evidence, it is a complete defence. Ham. N. P.
149; 2 Chit. Pl. 574, 576; 12 Vin. Ab. 182; Bac. Abr. Assault and Battery, C
8.