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Simple English definitions for legal terms
synodsman
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A quick definition of synodsman:
A synodsman, also known as a sidesman or questman, is a church officer who used to report to the bishop about any wrongdoings by the clergy or congregation, including heretical acts. Over time, their duties were passed on to the churchwarden. The phrase "si deventum sit ad actum maleficio proximum" refers to the determination of a criminal attempt.
A more thorough explanation:
A synodsman, also known as a sidesman, is a church officer who used to report to the bishop about any wrongdoings by the clergy or congregation, including heretical acts. Over time, the duties of a synodsman were taken over by the churchwarden.
For example, if a member of the congregation was suspected of committing a crime, the synodsman would investigate and report it to the bishop. However, if the synodsman was not available, the churchwarden would take on this responsibility.
The term "synodsman" comes from the word "synod," which is a meeting of church officials to discuss important matters.