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Simple English definitions for legal terms
head money
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A quick definition of head money:
Head money: A tax or fee that is charged on a specific group of people, like a poll tax. It can also refer to a reward given by the government for capturing a prisoner during a naval battle or for killing an outlaw. In the past, shipowners were also charged a fee for every immigrant they brought into the United States.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Head money refers to:
- A tax on people belonging to a specific group, also known as a poll tax.
- A reward offered by the government to the crew of a ship for capturing a prisoner during a naval battle.
- A tax imposed on ship owners for every immigrant brought into the United States.
- A bounty or reward paid to a person who killed an outlaw and produced their head as evidence.
Examples:
- During the 19th century, the United States government imposed a head tax on ship owners for every immigrant brought into the country.
- In the past, some governments offered head money to encourage people to capture and bring in outlaws.
- During a naval battle, if a ship's crew captures a prisoner, they may receive head money as a reward.
The examples illustrate how head money can be used as a tax, a reward, or a bounty. It can be imposed on specific groups of people or ship owners, or offered as a reward for capturing prisoners or outlaws.