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Simple English definitions for legal terms
compurgation
Read a random definition: United States Navy
A quick definition of compurgation:
Compurgation was a way of deciding if someone was telling the truth in the past. If someone was accused of something, they could ask their friends to say they believed them. Usually, they needed 11 friends to do this. If enough friends said they believed the person, they would win the case. But if not enough friends said they believed them, they would lose. This way of deciding things was used a long time ago and is not used anymore.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Compurgation is a historical trial method where a defendant could have supporters, called compurgators, testify that they believed the defendant was telling the truth. The defendant would deny the charge against them and if they could get a certain number of compurgators to back their denial by their oaths, they would win the case. This was also known as the wager of law or trial by oath.
Example: In medieval England, if someone was accused of a crime, they could use compurgation as a defense. For example, if someone was accused of stealing a cow, they could deny the charge and find 11 people to swear on their behalf that they believed the defendant was telling the truth. If they could find enough compurgators, they would win the case.
Explanation: Compurgation was a way for defendants to prove their innocence by having others vouch for them. It was a common practice in medieval times and was used in many different legal systems. The example shows how someone accused of a crime could use compurgation to defend themselves and potentially avoid punishment.