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Simple English definitions for legal terms
writ of escheat
Read a random definition: commentators
A quick definition of writ of escheat:
A writ of escheat is a legal document that allows a lord to take possession of lands that have been abandoned or left without an owner. It was used in the past to ensure that land did not go unused and to maintain the power of the lord over their territory.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A writ that allows a lord to take possession of lands that have escheated to him.
Example: In medieval times, if a tenant died without an heir or if the tenant committed a felony, the land would escheat to the lord. The lord could then use a writ of escheat to take possession of the land.
This example illustrates how a writ of escheat was used in medieval times to allow a lord to take possession of land that had escheated to him. The writ was a legal tool that helped lords maintain control over their lands.