nationality

nationality

the legal relationship between a person and a state. Since the British Nationality Act 1981, it is no longer possible to acquire British citizenship by reason only of being born in the UK. Since 1 January 1983, a child will become a British citizen if one of its parents is a British citizen or is settled in the UK.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006

NATIONALITY. The state of a person in relation to the nation in which he was born.
     2. A man retains his nationality of origin during his minority, but, as in the case of his domicil of origin, he may change his nationality upon attaining full age; he cannot, however, renounce his allegiance without permission of the government. See Citizen; Domicil; Expatriation; Naturalization; Foelix, Du Dr. Intern. prive, n. 26; 8 Cranch, 263; 8 Cranch, 253; Chit. Law of Nat. 31 2 Gall. 485; 1 Gall. 545.

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