Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: foreign law
Right of Relief: A legal right that allows a person who pays off someone else's debt to take over the rights of the original creditor. This means they can go after the debtor to get their money back and even foreclose on any property that was put up as collateral. It also gives them the right to seek contributions from others who are responsible for the debt.
The right of relief is a legal term used in Scots law that refers to the equity of subrogation. This means that if a person is secondarily liable for a debt and pays it off, they have the right to enforce any rights that the original creditor had against the debtor. This includes the right to foreclose on any security held by the creditor and the right to seek contribution from others who are also liable for the debt.
For example, if a person co-signs a loan for a friend and the friend defaults on the loan, the creditor can come after both the friend and the co-signer for payment. If the co-signer pays off the debt, they have the right of relief and can seek repayment from the friend. They can also enforce any rights that the creditor had against the friend, such as foreclosing on any collateral that was put up to secure the loan.
The right of relief is an important legal principle that helps to ensure that those who pay off debts that they are not primarily responsible for are not left without any recourse. It allows them to step into the shoes of the original creditor and seek repayment from the debtor and any other parties who may be liable for the debt.