Legal Definitions - memorial

Memorial

In a legal context, a "memorial" refers to a formal written document that serves one of two primary purposes:

1. It can be a concise summary or abstract of a legal record, such as a property deed, mortgage agreement, or other instrument. This summary typically contains the essential details of the original document and is often created for public registration, record-keeping, or to provide a brief overview without needing to consult the full, lengthy original.
2. It can also be a formal written statement of facts or a petition presented to a governmental body, such as a legislature (like a city council or parliament) or an executive authority (like a governor or president). In this sense, a memorial is used to request action, express a viewpoint, or formally bring an issue to the attention of decision-makers.

Examples:

• Example 1 (Abstract of a Property Deed): When a new homeowner registers their property deed with the local land registry office, they might also submit a "memorial" of the deed.
  This memorial would be a condensed version, containing only the critical information like the property address, the names of the buyer and seller, and the date of transfer. It serves as a public record of the ownership change without requiring the entire, often lengthy, original deed to be filed verbatim.
• Example 2 (Petition to a Legislature): A community group concerned about a proposed new highway route might prepare a "memorial" to present to their state legislature.
  This document would formally outline their factual objections, detailing potential environmental impacts, traffic concerns, and alternative solutions. It acts as a formal petition, bringing their collective concerns directly to the legislative body responsible for approving the project.
• Example 3 (Statement to an Executive Authority): A professional association might submit a "memorial" to the governor's office, advocating for specific changes to state licensing regulations for their profession.
  This memorial would present a detailed statement of facts, explaining the current challenges with the regulations, proposing specific amendments, and outlining the benefits of these changes for public safety and professional standards. It serves as a formal request for executive action on a policy matter.