Legal Definitions - approver

Approver

Historically, an approver referred to an individual who confessed to their involvement in a crime and, in exchange for a potential pardon or reduced sentence, agreed to provide testimony against their accomplices or co-conspirators. This term also had a less common historical usage, referring to an agent or bailiff who managed a farm or estate on behalf of another person.

Here are some examples illustrating the primary historical meaning of an approver:

• Imagine a scenario in the 18th century where a group of highwaymen commits a series of robberies. One member, "Silas," is apprehended by the authorities. Facing severe punishment, Silas decides to confess his role in the robberies and offers to testify in court against his fellow gang members, providing detailed information about their identities and the planning of their crimes. In this situation, Silas would have been considered an approver.

  This example illustrates the term because Silas, a criminal, confesses his guilt and agrees to provide evidence and testimony against his accomplices in exchange for a potential benefit to himself.

• Consider a medieval village where a conspiracy to defraud the local lord of taxes is uncovered. "Elara," a minor participant in the scheme, is caught. To avoid the full wrath of the lord's justice, Elara admits her part in the conspiracy and agrees to reveal the identities of the main instigators and provide proof of their involvement. By doing so, Elara becomes an approver.

  This demonstrates the concept as Elara, having committed an offense, seeks leniency by confessing and offering to testify or provide information that implicates others involved in the same crime.