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Simple English definitions for legal terms
abjuration
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A quick definition of abjuration:
Abjuration is when someone makes a promise, called an oath, to give up something forever. In the past, people would make an oath to leave their country and never come back. This was called abjuration of the realm. If they broke their promise and came back, they would be punished. In English law, there is also something called an oath of abjuration. This is when someone promises to give up their right to be king or queen if they are related to someone who tried to be king or queen but failed.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Abjuration is a formal renouncing of something by taking an oath.
For example, in medieval England, a person who committed a crime and sought refuge in a sanctuary could choose to either face trial or take an oath of abjuration. If they chose the latter, they had to leave the country and never return, forfeiting their lands and possessions. If they returned, they would be considered an outlaw.
In English law, an oath of abjuration was taken to renounce any claim to the throne by descendants of a pretender.
These examples illustrate how abjuration involves a solemn oath to give up something, whether it be a country or a claim to power.