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Simple English definitions for legal terms
burgess
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A quick definition of burgess:
Term: BURGESS
Definition: A burgess is a person who lives in a town or borough and has certain rights and responsibilities. They may be a leader or representative of the town, or have the right to vote in elections. In the past, some burgesses were also members of Parliament.
A more thorough explanation:
A burgess is a person who lives in a borough or town and has certain rights and responsibilities. Historically, the term had several meanings:
- An inhabitant or freeman of a borough or town.
- A magistrate of a borough.
- A person entitled to vote at elections.
- A representative of a borough or town in Parliament.
For example, in the past, the Bailiff and Burgesses of Leominster were considered burgesses because they were the magistrates of the town. Nowadays, the term is mostly used to refer to people who represent their borough or town in Parliament.
For instance, if someone is elected as a burgess for their town, they will go to Parliament and speak on behalf of their constituents. This means they will represent the interests and concerns of the people who live in their town.