Fly For It - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition fly-for-it

Definition :

Fly for it. On a criminal trial in former times it was usual after the verdict, even if not guilty, to inquire also: 'Did he fly for it ?' Forfeiture of goods followed a conviction upon such inquiry. This practice, after having been long discontinued, was generally abolished by the (English) Criminal Law Act, 1827 (7 & 8 Geo. 4, c. 28), s. 5. There is a saying, Fatetur facinus qui judicium fugit (3 Inst. 14)-'He who flies from justice confesses his guilt.'