in the civil law, is a determination which the emperor pronounces upon hearing a particular cause between the plaintiff and defendant.

DECREES of Councils, are the laws made by them, to regulate the doctrine and policy of the church.

DECREES in Chancery, are the determination of the lord-chancellor, upon a full hearing of the merits of a cause.

DECRET, in the law of Scotland, a final decree or judgment of the lords of session, from which an appeal only lies to parliament.

DECRET-ARBITRAL, in Scots law, the sentence or judgment of one to whom parties voluntarily submit the determination of any question betwixt them*.