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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Clerk of Nichils
Read a random definition: jus quiritium
A quick definition of Clerk of Nichils:
A Clerk of Nichils was an officer in English law who dealt with debts owed to the Exchequer's office that were deemed nonleviable by sheriffs. These debts were called nichils, which means "nothing" in Latin. The Clerk of Nichils enrolled these debts once a year and sent them to the treasurer's remembrancer's office for recovery. The term nichil can also be used as a verb, meaning to make a return that a debt is worthless because the debtor cannot be found or is unable to pay. Both the Clerk of Nichils and the treasurer's remembrancer's office were abolished in 1833.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Clerk of Nichils was an officer in English law who dealt with debts owed to the Exchequer's office but were deemed nonleviable by sheriffs. The term "nichil" comes from the Latin word "nihil" meaning "nothing".
Example: Once a year, the Clerk of Nichils would enroll these nonleviable debts and send them to the treasurer's remembrancer's office. From there, a process was issued for their recovery. However, both offices were abolished in 1833.
Explanation: The example illustrates how the Clerk of Nichils dealt with debts that were deemed nonleviable by sheriffs. The Clerk would enroll these debts and send them to the treasurer's remembrancer's office for recovery. However, both offices were abolished in 1833, indicating that the role of the Clerk of Nichils was no longer necessary.