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Simple English definitions for legal terms
charter
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A quick definition of charter:
A charter is like a special set of rules that a group or city follows. It tells them how to organize and run things. Sometimes, a charter is also a fancy word for renting a big vehicle like a bus or plane. When someone rents a vehicle like this, they are said to have chartered it.
A more thorough explanation:
A charter is the highest law of an entity. It can refer to:
- The articles of incorporation in corporate law
- The instrument by which a municipality is incorporated in public law
- A government act that establishes a publicly funded business or undertaking in legislative law
For example, a city charter outlines the highest laws and organizational structure of a municipality.
In popular usage, a charter can also refer to the lease of a large or expensive vehicle for transportation, such as a bus, airplane, or ship. When someone signs a lease for such a vehicle, they are said to have chartered it. The vehicle used under this agreement is also said to be chartered.
For instance, a group of tourists may charter a bus to take them on a sightseeing tour.