ancient writings

1 definition found

ancient writings - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  ANCIENT WRITINGS, evidence. Deeds, wills, and other writings more than
  thirty years old, are considered ancient writings. They may in general be
  read in evidence, without any other proof of their execution than that they
  have been in the possession of those claiming rights under them. Tr. per
  Pais, 370; 7 East, R. 279; 4 Esp. R. 1; 9 Ves. Jr. 5; 3 John. R. 292; 1 Esp.
  R. 275; 5 T. R. 259; 2 T. R. 466; 2 Day's R. 280. But in the case of deeds,
  possession must have accompanied them. Plowd. 6, 7. See Blath. Pres. 271, n.
  (2.)