Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
extent
Read a random definition: D & O liability insurance
A quick definition of extent:
Extent: In the past, when someone owed money to the government or a creditor, a special legal document called a writ of extent could be issued. This allowed the person owed money to take the debtor's property, including their land, goods, or even their body, to pay off the debt. Sometimes, a creditor could also get a writ called an extendi facias, which let them take temporary possession of the debtor's property, especially their land.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Extent is a legal term that refers to the seizure of property in execution of a writ. It can also refer to a writ issued by the Exchequer to recover a debt owed to the Crown, under which the debtor's lands, goods, or body could all be seized to secure payment. Additionally, it can refer to a writ giving a creditor temporary possession of the debtor's property, especially land.
- If a person owes a debt to the government, the government may issue a writ of extent to seize the person's property, such as their land or goods, to secure payment.
- A creditor may use a writ of extent to gain temporary possession of a debtor's property, such as their land, until the debt is paid.
These examples illustrate how extent is a legal term used to describe the seizure of property in order to secure payment of a debt. It shows how the government or a creditor can use a writ of extent to take possession of a debtor's property, such as their land or goods, to ensure that the debt is paid.