instance
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Related to in the first instance: Court of first instance, in the second instance
instance
in Scottish civil procedure, the part of an initial writ that specifies the names and designations of the parties to an action. See also COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE.Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006
COURT, INSTANCE. One of the branches of the English admiralty is called an instance court. Vide Instance Court.
INSTANCE, civil and French law. It signifies, generally, all sorts of actions and judicial demands. Dig. 44, 7, 58.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.