sui juris

Of full capacity. In his own right; capable of entering into a contract. See 1 Bl Comm 443. For definition of the term as it pertains to contributory negligence of children see Anno: 107 ALR 161. suit. An action; a legal proceeding of a civil kind. Re Oliver, 77 Ohio St 474, 83 NE 795. Any proceeding in a court of justice by which a person pursues therein that remedy which the law affords him. Upshot County v Rich, 135 US 467, 34 L Ed 196, 10 S Ct 651. A term broader than "action," since it is inclusive of all judicial proceedings whether actions or not. 1 Am J2d Actions § 4. Not inclusive of a proceeding in continuation of an original action, such as a proceeding for modification of a decree. Anno: 143 ALR 414. Not inclusive of a criminal prosecution. Anno: 40 ALR2d 1397. Inclusive of a criminal prosecution, since an indictment or information is an accusation at the "suit" of the sovereign. United States v Moore (CC NH) 11 F 248, 251. "It must be conceded that the word, as applied to legal controversies, both by the legal profession and others, is now used and recognized as a generic term of broad significance, often understood and used, even by legislatures and courts, to designate almost any proceeding in a court, even, though rarely, being applied to a criminal prosecution in certain connections." Patterson v Standard Acci. Ins. Co. 178 Mich 288, 144 NW 491. Historically, "action" is more properly applied to a legal remedy only, whereas "suit" is more properly applied to an equitable remedy only, but this distinction is no longer regarded as important. 1 Am J2d Actions § 4. To do suit was a feudal service of the tenant to follow the lord in his courts in time of peace and in his armies or warlike retinue in time of warfare. See 2 Bl Comm 54. For particular suits, see definitions commencing actio; action.