Legal Definitions - tribute

Tribute refers to a payment, contribution, or formal acknowledgment given by one party to another. It often signifies respect, gratitude, obligation, or a hierarchical relationship. In a historical or governmental context, it specifically describes:

• A compulsory payment or levy imposed by a government or ruler on its subjects to fund state expenses.
• A payment made by a weaker state or ruler to a more powerful one, typically to secure peace, protection, or to acknowledge a subordinate status.
• A formal expression or contribution given to honor or show respect for an individual or group.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of tribute:

• Example 1 (Compulsory payment/levy): In ancient Mesopotamia, local governors were required to collect a fixed amount of grain and precious metals from the farmers and artisans in their provinces each year, sending these resources to the central imperial treasury to support the emperor's army and public works projects.

  Explanation: This illustrates tribute as a mandatory contribution levied by a ruling authority on its subjects to finance the operations and defense of the state.

• Example 2 (Payment for protection/subservience): During the colonial era, a small indigenous kingdom, facing constant threats from rival tribes, agreed to pay an annual tribute of furs and timber to a powerful European trading company. In return, the company provided military assistance and guaranteed the kingdom's borders against its enemies.

  Explanation: Here, tribute represents a payment made by a less powerful entity to a stronger one, primarily to secure protection, maintain peace, and acknowledge the superior party's influence or authority.

• Example 3 (Formal expression/contribution of respect): Upon the retirement of a highly respected chief justice, the state bar association established a new legal aid fund in her name, inviting lawyers across the state to contribute. The fund's creation and the contributions made serve as a lasting acknowledgment of her decades of service and dedication to justice.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates tribute as a collective contribution or formal gesture made to honor and show profound respect for an individual's significant achievements and legacy.