Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: CHAMPION
Definition: A champion is a person who represents someone in a fight to prove if they are guilty or innocent. This type of fight is called a trial by combat and was used a long time ago in Europe and England during the Middle Ages. The idea was that God would help the person who was in the right win the fight. If the champion lost, the person they were fighting for was considered guilty. If the champion won, the person they were fighting for was considered innocent. However, if the champion survived but lost the fight, they were fined for defending an unjust cause. If the champion died, they were buried in a special place. This type of trial is not used anymore and was replaced by other ways of deciding if someone is guilty or innocent.
Definition: In history, a champion was a person chosen to represent a defendant in a trial by combat. The champion would fight against the accuser, and if they won, the defendant was declared innocent. However, if the champion lost, the defendant was found guilty. If the champion survived, they were fined for defending an unjust cause, but if they died, they were buried in unhallowed ground.
Example: In medieval Europe and England, trial by combat was a common practice. For example, if someone was accused of a crime, they could choose a champion to fight for them. The champion would fight against the accuser, and whoever won would determine the outcome of the trial.
Explanation: The example illustrates how a champion was chosen to represent a defendant in a trial by combat. The champion was expected to fight for the defendant's innocence, and if they won, the defendant would be declared innocent. However, if they lost, the defendant would be found guilty. This practice was common in medieval times but is no longer used today.