Legal Definitions - do

The term "do" is a historical legal expression derived from Latin, meaning "I give" or "I grant." In ancient English common law, particularly during the feudal era, it was a fundamental word used to signify the formal act of transferring ownership, especially of land (known as a feoffment), or bestowing other rights or privileges from one party to another. It encapsulated the donor's explicit intention and action of bestowing property or legal entitlements.

• Example 1: Transfer of Land Ownership

  Imagine a medieval lord, Sir Alaric, who wishes to formally transfer a parcel of his estate, known as the "Greenwood Fields," to his loyal knight, Sir Gareth, as a reward for his service. In the presence of witnesses, during a formal ceremony of feoffment, Sir Alaric might declare, "I, Sir Alaric, do give and grant these Greenwood Fields to Sir Gareth and his heirs forever." In this scenario, the word "do" explicitly signifies Sir Alaric's definitive act of giving and legally transferring the ownership of the land to Sir Gareth.

• Example 2: Granting of Rights or Privileges

  Consider a historical situation where a monarch, King Henry, decides to grant a royal charter to a newly established town, bestowing upon its citizens certain specific rights and liberties. The charter might contain language such as, "We, King Henry, do give and grant to the burgesses of the town of Oakhaven the right to hold a weekly market and to collect tolls therein." Here, "do" represents the King's formal and authoritative act of bestowing these particular legal privileges and rights upon the town and its inhabitants.