Simple English definitions for legal terms
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The Donation Act is a law that grants public lands to settlers who meet certain conditions or to veterans as a reward for their military service. This means that the government gives land to people who have done something good for the country or who need it to start a new life. The land includes everything on and below the surface, like trees and rocks, and can be used for farming, building houses, or other purposes. The Donation Act was used in the past to encourage people to settle in remote areas or to reward soldiers for their service.
Definition: A statute that grants public lands to settlers who meet certain conditions or to veterans as a reward for military service.
Example: In Pennsylvania, after the American Revolution, soldiers were given certificates in lieu of pay. These certificates could be used to purchase donation land as a reward for their service.
This example illustrates how the Donation Act was used to encourage settlement in remote areas and reward military service. It also shows how the government used public lands as a way to compensate soldiers for their service.