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Simple English definitions for legal terms
wager of law
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A quick definition of wager of law:
A wager of law is a way to prove that someone is innocent by having them swear that they didn't do what they're accused of. They can also ask other people to swear that they believe the person is telling the truth. This is called compurgation. If enough people swear that the person is innocent, they win the case. But if not enough people swear, they lose. This method was used a long time ago and is not used anymore.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Wager of law is a historical method of proof in which a person defends against a claim by swearing that the claim is groundless. They also enlist others, called compurgators, to swear to the defendant's credibility.
Example: In the past, if someone was accused of a crime, they could use the wager of law to prove their innocence. They would swear that they were not guilty and then gather a group of people to swear that they believed the defendant was telling the truth. If they could get enough people to support them, they would win the case.
This method of proof was used in many different cultures and was eventually adopted by the church. However, it was abolished in 1833 and is no longer used in modern legal systems.