Legal Definitions - girth

In a legal context, particularly within historical English law, girth refers to:

• A historical unit of measurement equivalent to a yard (three feet).

  In early English legal systems, "girth" was a specific measure used for various purposes, including defining property dimensions or other legally specified lengths.

  • Example: A 13th-century property deed might describe a parcel of land as having a boundary wall "extending for fifty girths along the riverbank."

    Explanation: This illustrates "girth" as a precise, legally recognized unit of measurement used in historical documents to define property lines, which was critical for establishing ownership and resolving land disputes.

• The consecrated area immediately surrounding a church, often serving as a place of sanctuary.

  Historically, the "girth" of a church referred to the sacred ground around the building. This area often carried special legal privileges, most notably providing sanctuary to individuals seeking protection from arrest or prosecution for certain offenses.

  • Example 1: During the medieval period, a person accused of a minor felony might seek refuge within the "girth" of a cathedral, knowing that law enforcement officers were legally restricted from making an immediate arrest within that sacred perimeter.

    Explanation 1: This demonstrates how the "girth" of a church functioned as a legally recognized sanctuary, offering temporary protection under specific historical legal traditions.

  • Example 2: A historical legal dispute might arise over whether a new market stall was erected "within the girth of the parish church," potentially violating local ordinances or the church's traditional rights over its immediate surroundings.

    Explanation 2: Here, "girth" signifies a defined physical and legal boundary around a church, indicating an area with distinct legal implications regarding property use and jurisdiction.