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Simple English definitions for legal terms
frankpledge
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A quick definition of frankpledge:
Term: FRANKPLEDGE
Definition: Frankpledge was a promise made by a group of ten freeholders to the king, ensuring that they would behave well. This group was called a tithing. The frankpledge was created during the Saxon period and continued after the Norman Conquest. If a member of the group committed a crime, the other members were not responsible for it, but they had to make sure that the offender appeared in court. They were also responsible for producing a wrongdoer for trial. Frankpledge was an important way of policing the country in the absence of a large group of royal officials.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Frankpledge is a historical term that refers to a promise given by a group of ten freeholders (known as a tithing) to the sovereign, ensuring their good conduct. This system was of Saxon origin and continued after the Norman Conquest. The members of the group were not liable for an injury caused by an offending member, but they did act as bail to ensure that the culprit would appear in court. They were bound to produce a wrongdoer for trial.
Example: In medieval England, the frankpledge system was used as a way to maintain law and order in the community. For instance, if a member of a tithing committed a crime, the other members were responsible for bringing them to justice. This ensured that everyone in the community was held accountable for their actions and helped to deter criminal behavior.
Explanation: The example illustrates how the frankpledge system worked in practice. By holding each member of a tithing responsible for the actions of others, it created a sense of collective responsibility and encouraged people to behave in a lawful manner. This system was an important part of the legal system in medieval England and helped to maintain social order.