IRRELEVANT1 EVIDENCE. That which does not support the issue, and which) of course, must be excluded. See Relevant.
IRREPLEVISABLE, practice. This term is applied2 to those things which cannot legally be replevied. For example, in Pennsylvania no goods seized in execution or for taxes, can be replevied.
IRRESISTIBLE3 FORCE. This term is applied to such an interposition of human agency, as is, from its nature and power, absolutely uncontrollable; as the inroads of a hostile army. Story on Bailm. 25; Lois des Batim. pt. 2. c. 2, 1. It differs from inevitable4 accident; the latter being the effect of physical causes, as, lightning, storms, and the like.
IREVOCABLE. That which cannot be revoked6.
2. A will may at all times be revoked by the same person who made it, he having a disposing mind; but the moment the testator is rendered incapable7 to make a will he can no longer revoke5 a former will, because he wants a disposing mind. Letters of attorney are generally revocable; but when made for a valuable consideration they become irrevocable. 7 Ves. jr. 28; 1 Caines' Cas. in Er. 16; Bac. Ab. Authority, E. Vide duthority; License8; Revocation9.
IRRIGATION. The act of wetting or moist ening the ground by artificial means.
2. The owner of land over which there is a current stream, is, as such, the proprietor10 of the current. 4 Mason's R. 400. It seems the riparian proprietor may avail himself of the river for irrigation, provided the river be not thereby11 materially lessened12, and the water absorbed be imperceptible or trifling13. Ang. W. C. 34; and vide 1 Root's R. 535; 8 Greenl. R. 266; 2 Conn. R. 584; 2 Swift's Syst. 87; 7 Mass. R. 136; 13 Mass. R. 420; 1 Swift's Dig. 111; 5 Pick. R. 175; 9 Pick. 59; 6 Bing. R. 379; 5 Esp. R. 56; 2 Conn. R. 584; Ham. N. P. 199; 2 Chit. Bl. Com. 403, n. 7; 22 Vin. Ab. 525; 1 Vin. Ab. 657; Bac. Ab. Action on the case, F. The French law coincides with our own. 1 Lois des Btimens, sect14. 1, art. 3, page 21.
IRRITANCY. In Scotland, it is the happening of a condition or event by which a charter, contract or other deed, to which a clause irritant is annexed15, becomes void. Ersk. Inst. B. 2, t. 5, n. 25. Irritancy is a kind of forfeiture16. It is legal or conventional. Burt. Man. P. R. 29 8.
