Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: escritura publica
Extent in aid was a type of legal document that allowed someone who owed money to the government to get the money from someone else who owed them money. This document was often misused, so it was abolished in 1947.
Extent in aid was a way for the government to collect money from people who owed them, but it was not always fair. That's why it doesn't exist anymore.
Definition: A historical writ that allowed a Crown debtor to obtain payment from someone who owed them money, so that they could pay their debt to the Crown. This writ was abolished in 1947 due to its abuse.
Example: In the past, if someone owed money to the Crown and couldn't pay, they could use an extent in aid to force someone else who owed them money to pay the Crown instead. For example, if John owed money to the Crown and couldn't pay, he could use an extent in aid to force Jane, who owed him money, to pay the Crown instead.
Explanation: This example illustrates how an extent in aid worked in practice. John, the Crown debtor, used the writ to force Jane, who owed him money, to pay the Crown instead. This allowed John to satisfy his debt to the Crown without having to pay out of his own pocket.