Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: AFFEER
Definition: Affeer means to determine the amount of a fine or penalty. It comes from an old French word that means "to tax." Affeerment is the noun form of this word.
Definition: To fix the amount of a fine or penalty.
Example: In medieval times, a judge might affeer a fine of 10 shillings for a minor offense like stealing a loaf of bread.
Explanation: When someone committed a crime or broke a law in the past, they might be punished with a fine instead of imprisonment or other harsher penalties. The amount of the fine was determined by a judge or other authority figure, who would affeer the penalty based on the severity of the offense and the ability of the offender to pay. For example, if someone stole a small item like a loaf of bread, they might be fined a few shillings. The affeerment process ensured that the punishment was fair and appropriate for the situation.