Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Lot and Scot: In the past, some cities and boroughs required people to pay a special fee before they could vote. This fee was called lot and scot. It was like a tax that only voters had to pay.
Definition: Lot and scot is a historical term that refers to a collection of duties that voters had to pay before they were allowed to vote in certain cities and boroughs.
Example: In medieval England, voters in some cities and boroughs had to pay lot and scot before they could cast their vote. This meant that they had to pay a fee and also contribute to the expenses of the community.
Explanation: Lot and scot was a way for local communities to raise money and ensure that only those who were financially stable could vote. By paying lot and scot, voters were showing that they were invested in the community and willing to contribute to its upkeep. This practice was eventually abolished in the 19th century when voting rights were extended to more people.