AGAINST THE PEACE AND DIGNITY OF THE STATE

against  the  peace  and  dignity  of  the  state.A  concluding  phrase  in  an  indictment,  used  to

condemn  the  offending  conduct  generally  (as  opposed  to  the  specific  charge  of  wrongdoing

contained in the body of the instrument). • This phrase derives from the Law Latin contra pacem

domini  regis  (“against  the  peace  of  the  lord  the  king”),  a  charging  phrase  formerly  used  in

indictments  and  in  civil  actions  of  trespass.  Cf.  KING’S  PEACE.  [Cases:  Indictment  and

Information    32(3).] [Blacks Law 8th]