Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Steward of Chiltern Hundreds: A long time ago, there was a person who was in charge of keeping people safe from bad guys who hid in the woods. Nowadays, if someone who works in the government wants to quit their job, they can become a Steward of Chiltern Hundreds. This is a special job that lets them resign from their old job. But they have to give up their seat in the government to do it. When they finish being a Steward, they are officially done with their old job.
The Steward of Chiltern Hundreds is a position in English law that has evolved over time. Originally, the Steward was responsible for protecting residents from robbers and thieves who hid in the wooded areas of the hundreds. Today, the position is used as a way for members of Parliament to resign, which is generally not allowed by law.
When a member of Parliament accepts the appointment as Steward of Chiltern Hundreds, they forfeit their seat in Parliament. This completes the resignation process and allows the member to leave their position.
For example, if a member of Parliament wants to resign but is not allowed to do so by law, they can accept the appointment as Steward of Chiltern Hundreds. This allows them to leave their position and move on to other things.
Another example is if a member of Parliament wants to retire but is not allowed to do so by law, they can accept the appointment as Steward of Chiltern Hundreds. This allows them to retire and enjoy their golden years.