Legal Definitions - constat

Historically, a constat was an official certificate issued by specific financial officers of the English Crown, namely the Clerk of the Pipe and the auditors of the Exchequer. This document was requested by an individual who needed to present evidence in the Court of Exchequer, typically to argue for the cancellation or release from a financial obligation or debt owed to the Crown. The constat served as an authoritative statement, confirming precisely what the official government records showed regarding the matter in question.

• A Merchant Disputing a Royal Tax:

  Imagine a merchant in medieval England who was accused of owing a specific tax or duty to the Crown. The merchant believed they had already paid this amount or that they were exempt. To challenge the claim in the Court of Exchequer, they would request a constat. This certificate would officially state what the Exchequer's records showed about their tax obligations and payments, providing crucial evidence to support their argument for the "discharge" (cancellation) of the alleged debt.

• A Landowner Seeking Exemption from Feudal Dues:

  Consider a landowner who was being pressed to provide a traditional feudal service or payment to the Crown. The landowner believed their estate had been granted an exemption many years ago by a royal charter. To prove this in the Court of Exchequer, they would apply for a constat. The certificate would confirm the historical record of their land's obligations and any granted exemptions, helping them secure a discharge from the demanded service or payment.

• A Sheriff Accounting for Collected Funds:

  Suppose a local sheriff, responsible for collecting various fines and revenues for the Crown, was undergoing an audit by the Exchequer. The sheriff needed to demonstrate that a particular sum they had collected was indeed transferred to the royal treasury. To satisfy the auditors and avoid personal liability, the sheriff could obtain a constat. This document would officially certify the entry in the Exchequer's records confirming the receipt of those funds, thereby discharging the sheriff's responsibility for that specific item.