Moderate castigavit

MODERATE CASTIGAVIT, pleading. The name of a plea in trespass by which the defendant justifies an assault and battery, because he moderately corrected the plaintiff, whom he had a right to correct. 2 Chit. Pl. 676; 2 Bos. & Pull. 224. Vide Correction, and 15 Mass. R. 347; 2 Phil. Ev. 147; Bac. Ab. Assault, &c. C.
     2. This plea ought to disclose, in general terms, the cause which rendered the correction expedient. 3 Salk. 47.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.