Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Doctors' Commons: A place where people went to learn about special types of law, like admiralty and ecclesiastical law, and where courts for these types of law were held. It existed from the 16th century to the 19th century and was called the College of Advocates and Doctors of Law. It was closed in the 1860s when its functions were taken over by the High Court.
Definition: Doctors' Commons was an informal term used to refer to the College of Advocates and Doctors of Law. This college trained specialists in admiralty and ecclesiastical law and housed admiralty and ecclesiastical courts from the 16th century to the 19th. The College was dissolved in the 1860s after its functions were absorbed by the High Court.
Example: In the past, if someone wanted to become a specialist in admiralty or ecclesiastical law, they would have to study at Doctors' Commons. The college was also home to courts that dealt with these types of law. For example, if there was a dispute over a ship or its cargo, the case would be heard in the admiralty court at Doctors' Commons.
Explanation: The example illustrates how Doctors' Commons was a college that specialized in training lawyers in specific areas of law, such as admiralty and ecclesiastical law. It also shows how the college was home to courts that dealt with these types of law, making it an important institution for legal matters related to ships, cargo, and the church.