Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Capitalis Justiciarius means "chief justiciary" in Latin. In history, this was the most important person in charge when the king was away. Their job was to make sure that justice was served and that the law was followed. They were like a judge and a government leader all in one. Later on, their duties were split up among different officials. In Scotland, justiciary means the administration of justice, especially for criminal cases.
Definition: The chief justiciary, a Latin term used historically to refer to the principal minister of state who governed when the king traveled abroad. By the 13th century, the duties of the office were more judicial than political.
Example: During the Norman Conquest in 1066 until the reign of Henry III (1216–1272), the justiciary presided in the King's Court and in the Exchequer, supervising all governmental departments and serving as regent in the king's absence.
Explanation: The example illustrates how the capitalis justiciarius was responsible for overseeing the administration of justice and government in the king's absence. The justiciary acted as a regent and presided over the King's Court and Exchequer, which were responsible for supervising all governmental departments.
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