Legal Definitions - echevin

An echevin is a historical term from French law referring to a municipal officer who served in a local government capacity. This role was comparable to that of an alderman or burgess in other legal systems, meaning they were involved in the administration and governance of a town or city. In some instances, an echevin also held limited judicial authority, allowing them to hear and decide minor civil disputes within their jurisdiction.

• Imagine a medieval French town council debating the construction of a new market square. An echevin would be one of the key local officials present, representing the interests of a particular district or the town as a whole. They would participate in discussions, vote on proposals, and oversee the implementation of local ordinances, much like a modern city council member or alderman. This illustrates their role as a municipal officer involved in local governance and administration.

• Consider a dispute between two neighbors in a 17th-century French village over a boundary line for their small plots of land. Instead of escalating to a higher court, the matter might be brought before an echevin. In this scenario, the echevin would listen to both sides, examine any local records or customs, and make a binding decision to resolve the minor civil case. This demonstrates the echevin's occasional judicial authority to hear and determine minor disputes.

• In a bustling 15th-century French city, an echevin might be responsible for overseeing the cleanliness of public streets and ensuring fair trade practices in the local market. If a vendor was accused of short-changing a customer, the same echevin, after their administrative duties, could then hold a small hearing to investigate the complaint and impose a minor fine or order restitution. This example highlights how the role could encompass both general municipal administration and specific, limited judicial functions within the community.