AMENDMENT
AME’NDMENT is a term used both in judicial and parliamentary proceedings. In the former, it is a power of correction ( any errors in actions, suits, or prosecutions, which has been greatly extended of late, and which has largely improved and simplified the administration of the law, both in England and in Scotland. In parliament, the word A. is used when it is intended to oppose vary, or qualify a question or resolution; and in the case of bills, it is employed as a courteous method of dismissing the bill from any further consideration, by moving that instead of ‘now,’ it be read at the end of three months, six months, or any other term beyond the probable duration of the session. It is also competent to a member to move as an A. to the question a resolution declaratory of some principle adverse to that of the bill, provided it is strictly relevant, as was done successfully, in 1859, by Lord John Russell, when he moved and carried, as an A. to the motion for the second reading of the Reform Bill of Lord Derby’s government, a resolution declaratory of a principle which the supporters of that measure considered to be subversive of it. See AMMENDMENT in AM. SUPP.