Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Durham is a special place in England that used to be ruled by the Bishop of Durham. It was one of three places called county palatines, which means it had its own special laws and courts. Now, the Crown is in charge of Durham, but it still has its own Chancery Court.
Definition: Durham is a county palatine in England, which means it has its own jurisdiction and legal system. It is one of three remaining county palatines in England, the others being Chester and Lancaster. The Bishop of Durham used to have control over the area until it was given to the Crown. The Durham Court of Pleas was transferred to the Supreme Court of Judicature in 1873, but Durham still has a Chancery Court according to the Palatine Court of Durham Act of 1889.
Example: The jurisdiction of Durham is different from other counties in England because it has its own legal system. This means that the laws and courts in Durham are unique to the area and are not the same as other counties.
Example: The Durham Court of Pleas used to be in charge of legal matters in the area, but it was transferred to the Supreme Court of Judicature in 1873. However, Durham still has a Chancery Court, which deals with equity and trusts.
Explanation: These examples illustrate how Durham is a county palatine with its own legal system and jurisdiction. The first example shows how Durham's laws and courts are unique to the area, while the second example shows how the legal system has changed over time but still maintains some of its original features.