Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A writ of mainprise is a legal document that allows a prisoner to be released from jail if someone promises to make sure they show up in court on a specific date and time. This person is called a mainpernor and they are responsible for the prisoner's appearance. The writ of mainprise is a way for the sheriff to release a prisoner while still ensuring that they will show up for their court date.
Definition: A writ of mainprise is a legal document that orders the release of a prisoner from jail, provided that a surety (mainpernor) takes responsibility for the prisoner's appearance in court on a specified date and time. The suretyship undertaking makes the surety responsible for the prisoner's appearance in court.
Examples:
These examples illustrate how a writ of mainprise works. In both cases, the prisoners were released from jail on the surety of a mainpernor. The mainpernors took responsibility for the prisoners' appearance in court, ensuring that they would show up on the specified date and time.