Legal Definitions - essoin

Ession is a historical legal term that refers to an excuse for not appearing in court on a scheduled day, despite having received a summons. It could also refer to the act of presenting such an excuse to the court.

In historical legal systems, if an individual was summoned to court but had a legitimate and unavoidable reason for their absence, they could "essoin" (verb) by submitting an "essoin" (noun) to the court. This allowed them to avoid penalties for non-appearance and potentially have their court date rescheduled.

• Example 1: Illness

  Imagine a medieval landowner, Lord Alaric, who is summoned to a feudal court to resolve a dispute over a boundary line. However, just days before the appointed court date, Lord Alaric falls gravely ill with a debilitating fever. Unable to travel or attend, his trusted steward appears before the court on his behalf, presenting a formal written statement from a local physician confirming Lord Alaric's incapacitating illness and requesting a postponement.

  This situation illustrates an essoin because Lord Alaric's illness provides a valid and unavoidable excuse for his non-appearance, which is formally presented to the court to prevent him from being penalized for contempt or default.

• Example 2: Public Service

  Consider Lady Beatrice, a prominent noblewoman in the 15th century, who is summoned to testify as a witness in a local court case. Unexpectedly, she receives an urgent summons from the King to attend to critical royal business in a distant city, requiring her immediate departure and making it impossible for her to return in time for her court appearance. Her legal representative attends the local court, explaining Lady Beatrice's unavoidable commitment to the Crown and presenting a sealed letter from a royal official confirming her essential service.

  Here, Lady Beatrice's engagement in vital royal service constitutes an essoin. It is a legitimate and compelling reason for her inability to attend court as summoned, formally communicated to the court to excuse her absence.