Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Darrein means "the last" in French. It is used in legal terms like darrein presentment, which means the last presentation of a clerk to a benefice. This can be determined by a jury in an assize of darrein presentment. An assize is a session of a court or council, and it can also refer to a law enacted by such a body. There are different types of assizes, such as the grand assize for resolving disputes concerning real property, and the assize of novel disseisin for a tenant who has been disseised of lands and tenements.
Definition: Darrein (dar-ayn) is an adjective that means "the last." It is often used in legal contexts, such as darrein presentment, which refers to the last presentation of a clerk to a benefice.
Example: In an assize of darrein presentment, a person with a right of advowson that had been disturbed by another claimant can have a jury determine who had last presented a clerk to a benefice and then allow that person to present again and recover damages for interference.
This example illustrates how darrein is used in a legal context to refer to the last presentation of a clerk to a benefice. The term is important in determining who has the right to present a clerk and can be used in legal proceedings to settle disputes over this right.