neutrality
    n 1: nonparticipation in a dispute or war
    2: tolerance attributable to a lack of involvement [syn:
       disinterest, neutrality]
    3: pH value of 7

Neutrality \Neu*tral"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. neutralit['e].]
   1. The state or quality of being neutral; the condition of
      being unengaged in contests between others; state of
      taking no part on either side; indifference.
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            Men who possess a state of neutrality in times of
            public danger, desert the interest of their fellow
            subjects.                             --Addison.
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   2. Indifference in quality; a state neither very good nor
      bad. [Obs.] --Donne.
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   3. (Chem.) The quality or state of being neutral. See
      Neutral, a., 4.
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   4. (International Law) The condition of a nation or
      government which refrains from taking part, directly or
      indirectly, in a war between other powers.
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   5. Those who are neutral; a combination of neutral powers or
      states.
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   Armed neutrality, the condition of a neutral power, in time
      of war, which holds itself ready to resist by force any
      aggression of either belligerent.
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NEUTRALITY, international law. The state of a nation which takes no part 
between two or more other. nations at war with each other. 
     2. Neutrality consists in the observance of a strict and honest 
impartiality, so as not to afford advantage in the war to either party; and 
particularly in so far restraining its trade to the accustomed course, which 
is held in time of peace, as not to render assistance to one of the 
belligerents in escaping the effects of the other's hostilities Even a loan 
of money to one of the belligerent parties is considered a violation of 
neutrality. 9 Moore's Rep. 586. A fraudulent neutrality is considered as no 
neutrality. 
     3. In policies of insurance there is frequently a warranty of 
neutrality. The meaning of this warranty is, that the property insured is 
neutral in fact, and it shall be so in appearance and conduct; that the 
property does belong to neutrals; that it is or shall be documented so as to 
prove its neutrality, and that no act of the insured or his agents shall be 
done which can legally compromise its neutrality. 3 Wash. C. C. R. 117. See 
1 Caines, 548; 2 S. & R. 119; Bee, R. 5; 7 Wheat. 471; 9 Cranch, 205; 2 
John. Cas. 180; 2 Dall. 270; 1 Gallis. 274; Bee, R. 67. 
     4. The violation of neutrality by citizens of the United States, 
contrary to the provisions of the act of congress of April 20, 1818, Sec. 3, 
renders the individual liable to an indictment. One fitting out and arming a 
vessel in the United States, to commit hostilities against a foreign power 
at peace with them, is therefore indictable. 6 Pet. 445; Pet. C. C. R. 487. 
Vide Marsh. Ins. 384 a; Park's Ins. 'Index, h.t.; 1 Kent, Com. 116; 
Burlamaqui, pt. 4, c. 5, s. 16 & 17; Bunk. lib. 1, c. 9; Cobbett's 
Parliamentary Debates; 406; Chitty, Law of Nat., Index, h.t.; Mann. Comm. 
B. 3, c. 1; Vattel, 1. 3, c. 7, SS 104; Martens, Precis. liv. 8, c. 7, SS 
306; Bouch. Inst. n. 1826-1831.