non obstante Meaning, Definition & Usage

Non` ob*stan"te

Etymology

L.

Definitions

1. Notwithstanding; in opposition to, or in spite of, what has been stated, or is to be stated or admitted.
2. (Law) A clause in old English statutes and letters patent, importing a license from the crown to do a thing notwithstanding any statute to the contrary. This dispensing power was abolished by the Bill of Rights.

   In this very reign [Henry III.] the practice of dispensing with statutes by a non obstante was introduced. Hallam.

   Stephen.