Legal Definitions - le roy

Le roy is a historical legal term derived from Law French, meaning "the king." It refers to the monarch, particularly in their capacity as the sovereign head of state, the source of law, or the ultimate authority within a kingdom.

• Example 1: During the drafting of a new legal proclamation in 16th-century England, the document would often conclude with a statement indicating that the decree was issued "by the authority of le roy."

  Explanation: This illustrates how the term was used to formally acknowledge the king's supreme power and his essential role in authorizing and enacting laws and official pronouncements.

• Example 2: In a historical trial for high treason, the prosecution might argue that the defendant's actions constituted a direct offense against "le roy," rather than merely against the state or the people.

  Explanation: Here, le roy emphasizes the personal nature of the monarch's sovereignty, where crimes against the state were often framed as direct affronts to the king's person and authority.

• Example 3: A medieval charter granting rights to a town or a noble family would typically specify that these privileges were bestowed "by the grace of le roy."

  Explanation: This demonstrates the king's role as the ultimate fount of all honors, rights, and privileges within the realm, highlighting that all authority and grants flowed from the monarch.