FRAUDS, STATUTE1 OF. The name commonly given to the statate 29 Car. II., c. 3, entitled " An act for prevention of frauds and perjuries2." This statute has been re-enacted in most. of the states of the Union, generally with omissions3, amendments4, or alterations5. When the words of the statute have been used, the construction put upon them has also been adopted. Most of the acts of the different states will be found in Anthon s Appendix to Shep. Touchst. See also the Appendix to the second edition of Roberts on Frauds.
FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE6. A conveyance of property without any consideration of value, for the purpose of delaying or bindering creditors7. These are declared void by the statutes8 13 Eliz. c. 6, and 27 Eliz. c. 4, the principles of which have been adopted in perhaps all the states of the American Union. See Voluntary Conveyance.
2. But although such conveyance is void as regards purchasers and creditors, it is valid9 as between the parties. 6 Watts10, 429, 453; 5 Binn. 109; 1 Yeates, 291; 3 W. & S. 255; 4 Iredell, 102; 9 Pick. 93; 20 Pick. 247; 3 Mass. 573, 580; 4 Mass. 354; 1 Hamm. 469; 2 South. 738; 2 Hill, S. C. Rep. 488; 7 John. 161; 1 Bl. 262.
FREE. Not bound to servitude; at liberty to act as one pleases. This word is put in opposition11 to slave.
2. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned12 among the several states, which may be included within this Union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined13 by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. Const. U. S. art. 1, s. 2. 3. It is also put in contradistinction to being bound as an apprentice14; as, an apprentice becomes free on attaining15 the age of twenty-one years.
4. The Declaration of Independence asserts that all men are born free, and in at sense, the term includes all mankind.
FREE COURSE, Mar16. law. Having the wind from a favorable quarter.
2. To prevent collision of vessels18, it is the duty of the vessel17 having a free course to give way to a vessel beating up. to windward and tacking19. 3 Hagg. Adm. R. 215, 326. And at sea, it is the duty of such vessel, in meeting another, to go to leeward20. 3 Car. & P. 528. See 9 Car. & P. W. Rob. 225; 2 Dodson, 87.
FREE ships. By this is understood neutral vessels. Free ships are sometimes considered as making free goods.
