Legal Definitions - leal

Leal refers to being loyal, faithful, or true. While not commonly used in modern legal language, it historically described a person's steadfast adherence to an oath, a lord, or a duty.

Here are some examples illustrating the historical meaning of leal:

• During medieval times, a knight who consistently upheld his vows to his liege lord, defending the realm and never betraying his trust, would be considered leal. His actions demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his sworn duty and sovereign.

• In a historical court setting, a witness who truthfully recounted events, despite pressure or personal risk, was acting in a leal manner. Their faithfulness to the oath they took to tell "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" exemplified this quality.

• A community that remained steadfastly supportive of its traditional leader through difficult times, consistently honoring their customs and agreements, could be described as leal. Their collective loyalty and faithfulness to their established governance and heritage were evident.