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Simple English definitions for legal terms
letter missive
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A quick definition of letter missive:
A letter missive is a type of letter that has been used in different ways throughout history. In the past, it was a letter from a king or queen to a cathedral, telling them who to elect as bishop. It was also used to ask a peer or lord of Parliament to appear in court to answer a lawsuit. In civil law, it refers to the record sent by a lower court to a higher court for review.
A more thorough explanation:
A letter missive is a type of letter that serves a specific purpose in different contexts. Here are some examples:
- Historical: A letter from a king or queen to the dean and chapter of a cathedral, containing the name of the person whom the king wants elected as bishop.
- Historical: A request sent to a peer, peeress, or lord of Parliament to appear and answer a lawsuit filed against them.
- Civil law: The appellate record sent by a lower court to a superior court.
For example, in the first historical context, a letter missive would be sent by a monarch to a cathedral to influence the selection of a bishop. In the second historical context, a letter missive would be sent to a peer or lord of Parliament to request their appearance in court. In the third context, a letter missive would be sent by a lower court to a higher court to appeal a decision.