PROCHEIN. Next. This word is frequently used in composition; as, prochein amy, prochein cousin, and the like. Co. Lit. 10.
PROCHEIN AMY, more correctly prochain ami. Next friend.
2. He who, without being appointed guardian1, sues in the name of an infant for the recovery of the rights of the latter, or does such other acts as are authorized2 by law; as, in Pennsylvania, to bind3 the infant apprentice4. 3 Serg. & Rawle, 172; 1 Ashm. Rep. 27. For some of the rules with respect to the liability or protection of a prochein amy, see 4 Madd. 461; 2 Str. 709; 3 Madd. 468; 1 Dick. 346; 1 Atk. 570; Mosely, 47, 85; 1 Ves. Jr. 409; 10 Ves. 184; 7 Ves. 425; Edw. on Parties, 182 to 204.
PROCLAMATION, evidence. The act of causing some state matters to be published or made generally known. A written or printed document in which are contained such matters, issued by proper authority; as the president's proclamation, the governor's, the mayor's proclamation. The word proclamation is also used to express the public nomination6 made of any one to a high office; as, such a prince was proclaimed emperor.
2. The president's proclamation has not the force of law, unless when authorized by congress; as if congress were to pass an act, which should take effect upon the happening of a contingent7 event, which was to be declared by the president by proclamation to hive happened; in this case the proclamation would give the act the force of law, which, till then, it wanted. How far a proclamation is evidence of facts, see Bac. Ab. Ev. F; Dougl. 594, n; B. N. P. 226; 12 Mod. 216; 8 State Tr. 212; 4 M. & S. 546; 2 Camp. Rep. 44; Dane's Ab. eh. 96, a. 2, 3 and 4; 1 Scam. R. 577; Bro. h. t.
PROCLAMATION, practice. The declaration made by the cryer, by authority of the court, that something is about to be done.
2. It usually commences with the French word Oyez, do you hear, in order to attract attention; it is particularly used on the meeting or opening of the court, and at its adjournment8; it is also frequently employed to discharge persons who have been accused of crimes or misdemeanors.
PROCLAMATION OF EXIGENTS, Eng. law. On awarding an exigent, in order to outlawry9, a writ5 of proclamation issues to the sheriff of the county where the party dwells, to make three proclamations for the defendant10 to yield himself, or be outlawed11.
PROCLAMATION OF REBELLION, Eng. law. When a party neglects to appear upon a subpoena12, or an attachment13 in the chancery, a writ bearing this name issues, and if he does not surrender himself by the day assigned, he is reputed, and declared a rebel.