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Simple English definitions for legal terms
divine right of kings
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A quick definition of divine right of kings:
The Divine Right of Kings is a political theory that says the king or queen is chosen by God to rule the country. This means that they have the right to rule without anyone else's permission. This idea started a long time ago when people believed that God gave power to rulers. It was used by some kings in England, but it disappeared when the king who believed in it left the country.
A more thorough explanation:
The Divine Right of Kings is a political theory that states that a monarch is chosen by God to rule and has the right to rule absolutely because of their birth. This theory originated in the medieval times when people believed that God gave power to rulers and the Church.
For example, the earlier Stuart kings in England claimed the Divine Right of Kings, which caused a struggle between them and Parliament for political sovereignty. James II also believed in this theory, but it disappeared with his flight and abdication.
The Divine Right of Kings is no longer a widely accepted theory, but it was used to justify absolute monarchy in the past.