Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Boteless is an old word that means a crime that cannot be forgiven or fixed by paying a fine. Instead, the person who committed the crime must lose their freedom or even their life. This type of crime was first seen in Anglo-Saxon Britain around the year 700 and usually involved treason or violence against the king. The word "bootless" comes from this term and means without relief or remedy.
Boteless (boht-ləs), adj.
Example: In the laws of Ine, certain offenders could be put to death instead of paying a money fine. This was a step towards modern criminal law. Boteless offenses are familiar to us today, but they first appeared in Anglo-Saxon Britain around A.D. 700. These offenses usually involved treason or violence against the king.
Explanation: Boteless offenses were serious crimes that could not be resolved by paying a fine. The offender had to suffer a loss of liberty or life. This was a significant change in criminal law at the time. The example shows how boteless offenses were used in Anglo-Saxon Britain and how they are still relevant today.