Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: Harter Act
Term: Hue and Cry
Definition: Hue and Cry is an old law that required citizens to make a lot of noise and shout loudly if they saw a crime happening. This noise was meant to alert other people in the area to help catch the criminal. If someone didn't help, they could be punished. Sometimes, a written notice was also posted to help catch the criminal.
Term: Huissier
Definition: Huissier is a French word that means an officer of the court who helps serve legal papers and maintain order during court sessions. In England, it used to be a similar role, but now it is called a court usher.
Term: Hui
Definition: Hui is a Hawaiian word that means a group of people who own land together. They usually share the land and make decisions together.
Definition: Hue and Cry is a term used in history to describe the public uproar that citizens were expected to initiate after discovering a crime. It was a way to catch criminals by raising an alarm and getting everyone to help in the pursuit.
Example: In medieval England, if someone witnessed a crime, they were expected to raise the hue and cry by shouting and blowing a horn. This would alert the community, and everyone would join in the pursuit of the criminal.
Explanation: The example illustrates how the hue and cry was used to catch criminals. It was a way to mobilize the community and get everyone involved in catching the perpetrator. This was important in a time when there were no police forces, and communities had to rely on each other for protection.