Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: ward of admiralty
King's silver: A type of money that people had to pay in the past when they wanted to sell or transfer their land. It was a fee that had to be paid to the Court of Common Pleas and was based on the value of the land. The fee was three-twentieths of the supposed annual value of the land or ten shillings for every five marks of land. It was also called post-fine.
Definition: King's silver is a historical term used to describe money paid in the Court of Common Pleas for a license to levy a feudal fine. It is also the amount due on granting a congé d'accorder in levying a fine of lands. The payment amounted to three-twentieths of the supposed annual value of the land, or ten shillings for every five marks of land. It is also known as post-fine.
Example: If a person wanted to sell their land, they would have to pay the King's silver to the Court of Common Pleas for a license to do so. The amount they would have to pay would be three-twentieths of the supposed annual value of the land or ten shillings for every five marks of land.
Explanation: The example illustrates how King's silver was used as a fee for obtaining a license to sell land. The payment was based on the supposed annual value of the land, and the amount due was significant, making it a significant financial burden for those who wanted to sell their land.