- precept
- /priysept/ An order, writ, warrant, or process. An order or direction, emanating from authority, to an officer or body of officers, commanding him or them to do some act within the scope of their powers. An order in writing, sent out by a justice of the peace or other like officer, for the bringing of a person or record before him.Precept is not to be confined to civil proceedings, and is not of a more restricted meaning than "process." It includes warrants and processes in criminal as well as civil proceedings. Rule imposing standard of conduct or action.In English law, the direction issued by a sheriff to the proper returning officers of cities and boroughs within his jurisdiction for the election of members to serve in parliament. The direction by the judges or commissioners of assize to the sheriff for the summoning a sufficient number of jurors. The direction issued by the clerk of the peace to the overseers of parishes for making out the jury lists. Written command of justice of the peace or other like officer for the bringing of a person or record before him.In old English criminal law, instigation to commit a crime. In old French law, a kind of letters issued by the king in subversion of the laws, being orders to the judges to do or tolerate things contrary to law@ precept of attachmentPrecept of attachment is an order to attach the goods and property of the defendant issued by a court generally after the action has been commenced when a writ of attachment has not been used@
Black's law dictionary. HENRY CAMPBELL BLACK, M. A.. 1990.