Privy - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition privy

Definition :

Privy [fr. priv', Fr.], having a participation in some Act, so as to be bound thereby, see the word in this sense in the statutory implied covenant in Part vi. Of the Second Sch. Of the Law of Property Act, 1925, and Woodhouse v. Jenkins, (1832) 9 Bing 441. Also a participation in interest or knowledge. See PRIVIES. Also sanitary accommodation. The Public Health Acts (see PUBLIC HEALTH) aim at securing proper sanitary accommodation for every house. See Tracey v. Pretty, (1901) 1 KB 444.

Privy Council

The sovereign nominates privy councillors, and no patent or grant is necessary. The number of the Council is indefinite, and is dependent upon the royal will. It is summoned on a warning of forty-four hours, and never held without the presence of a Secretary of State; the junior delivers his opinion first, and the sovereign, if present, last; it is dissolved six months after the demise of the Crown, unless sooner determined by the successor.

Privy councillors, on taking the necessary oaths, become immediately privy councillors, with the title of 'Right Honourable,' during the life of the sovereign who chooses them, but subject to removal at the royal discretion, see R. v. Speyer, (1916) 1 KB 595.

Their duties are: (1) To advise the sovereign according to the best of their cunning and discretion. (2) To advise for the sovereign's honour and good of the public; without partiality through affection, love, need, doubt or dread. (3) To keep the sovereign's counsel secret. (4) To avoid corruption. (5) To help and strengthen the execution of what shall be resolved. (6) To withstand all persons who would attempt the contrary. (7) To observe, keep, and do all that a true and good counsellor ought to do to his sovereign, 2 Steph.Com. see also JUDICIAL COMMITTTEE.