PERSON. A man considered according to the rank he holds in society, with all the rights to which the place he holds entitles him, and the duties which it imposes. 1 Bouvier, Inst. n. 137.
A corporation, which is an artificial person. 1 Sharswood, Blackst. Comm. 123 ;• 4 Bingh. 669 ; Wooddeson, Lect. 118 ; 1 Mod. 164.
2. The term, as is seen, is more extensive than man,—inoluding artificial beings, as corporationa, as well as natural beings. But when the word "persons" is spoken of in legislative acts, natural persons will be intended, unless something appear in the context to show that it applies to artificias persona. 2 Ill. 178.
Natural persons are divided into males, or men, and females, or women. Men are capable of all kinds of engagements and functions, unless by reasons applying to particular individuals. Women cannot be appointed to any public office, nor per form any civil functions, except those which the law specially declares them eapable of exercising. La. Civ. Code, art. 25.
3. They are also sometimes divided into free per sons and slaves. Freemen are those who have pre served their natural liberty, that is to say, who have the right of doing what is not forbidden by the law. A slave is one who is in the power of a
master to whom he belongs. Slaves are sometimes ranked not with persons, but things. But some times they are considered as persons : for example, a negro is in contemplation of law a person, so as to he capable of committing a riot in conjunction with white men. 1 Bay, So. C. 358. See MAN.
Persons are also divided into citizens and'aliens, when viewed with regard to thoir political rights. When they are considered in relation to their civil rights, they are living or oivilly dead, see Crvir, DEATH ; outlaws ; and infamous persons.
Persons are divided into legitimates and bastards, when examined as to their rights by birth.
When viewed in their domestic relations, they are divided into parents and children ; husbands and wives; guardians and wards; and masters and servants.
For the derivation of the word person, as it is understood in law, see 1 Toullier, n. 168; 1 Bouvier, Irlt. n. 1890, note.