from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
LEX TERAE. The law of the land. The phrase is used to distinguish this from
the civil or Roman law.
2. By lex terrae, as used in Magna Charta, is meant one process of law,
namely, proceeding by indictment or presentment of good and lawful men. 2
Inst. 50; 19 Wend. 659; 4 Dev. R. 15. in the constitution of Tennessee, the
words "the law of the land" signify a general and public law, operating
equally upon every member of the community. 10 Yerg. 71.