FURLINGUS. A furlong, or a furrow1 oneeighth part of a mile long. Co. Litt. 5. b.
FURLONG. A measure of length, being forty poles, or one-eighth of a mile. Vide Measures.
FURLOUGH. A permission given in the army and-navy to an officer or private to absent himself for a limited time.
FURNITURE. Personal chattels2 in the use of a family. By the term household furniture in a will, all personal chattels will pass which may contribute to the use or convenience of the householder, or the ornament3 of the house; as, plate, linen4, china, both useful and ornamental5, and pictures. Amb. 610; 1 John. Ch. R. 329, 388; 1 Sim. & Stu. 189; S. C. 3 Russ. Ch. Cas. 301; 2 Williams on Ex. 752; 1 Rop. on Leg. 203-4; 3 Ves. 312, 313.
FURTHER ASSURANCE. This phrase is frequently used in covenants7, when a covenantor8 has granted an estate, and it is supposed some further conveyance9 may be required. He then enters into a covenant6 for further assurance, that is, to make any other conveyance which may be lawfully10 required.
FURTHER HEARING, crim. law, practice. Hearing at another time.
2. Prisoners are frequently committed for further hearing, either when there is not sufficient evidence for a final commitment, or because the magistrate11 has not time, at the moment, to hear the whole of the evidence. The magistrate is required by law, and by every principle of humanity, to hear the prisoner as soon as possible after a commitment for further hearing; and if he neglect to do so within a reasonable time, he becomes a trespasser12. 10 Barn. & Cresw. 28; S. C. 5 Man. & Ry. 53. Fifteen days were held an unreasonable13 time, unless under special circumstances. 4 Carr. & P. 134; 4 Day, 98; 6 S. & R. 427.
3. In Massachusetts, magistrates14 may by statute15, adjourn16 the case for ten days. Rev17. Laws, 1 3 5, s. 9.
4. It is the practice in England to commit for three days, and then from three days to three days. 1 Chitty's Criminal Law, 74.
FUTURE DEBT. In Scotland this term is applied18 to a debt which though created is not due, but is to become so at a future day. 1 Bell's Com. 315, 5th ed.
FUTURE STATE, evidence. A state of existence after this life.
2. A witness who does not believe in any future state of existence was formerly19 inadmissible as a witness. The true test of a witnesses competency, on the ground of his religious principles, is, whether he believes in the existence of a God, who will punish him if he swears falsely; and within this rule are comprehended those who believe future punishments will not be eternal. 2 Watts20' & Serg. 263. See the authorities cited under the article Infidel. But it seems now to be settled, that when the witness believes in a God who will reward or punish him, even in this world, he is competent. Willes, 550. Vide Atheist21.