See Also: nisi prius(dictionary)
NISI PRIUS ROLL, Eng(law)
RECORD OF NISI PRIUS, Eng(law)
prius(dictionary)
nisi(dictionary)
nisi(dictionary)
NISI(law)
decree nisi(dictionary)
ORDER NISI(law)
Decree Nisi(law)

nisi prius (iou)



nisi prius noun phr. LME.
[Latin = unless previously (the opening words in a clause of the writ).]
Law (now Hist.).
A writ directing a sheriff to provide a jury at the Court of Westminster unless the assize judges came beforehand to the county from which the jury was to be drawn; the clause in such a writ of which the opening words are 'nisi prius'. Also, the authority to try causes conferred on judges by this clause. LME.
An action tried under such a writ. LME.
The hearing of civil causes by judges in the Crown Court or assize court; court business of this kind. M16.