Legal Definitions - beaupleader

Term: beaupleader Definition: Beaupleader is a term from Law French that means "fair pleading." In the past, it was used to refer to a fine imposed for bad or unfair pleading. For example, if a lawyer made a bad argument in court, they might have to pay a beaupleader. The Statute of Marlbridge in 1267 made it illegal to take fines for bad pleading. In addition, beaupleader could also refer to a writ of prohibition that prevented a sheriff from taking a fine for bad pleading. This writ was used to stop someone from being punished unfairly. Example: In the past, if a lawyer made a bad argument in court, they might have to pay a beaupleader. This was a way to encourage lawyers to make good arguments and not waste the court's time. The Statute of Marlbridge made it illegal to take fines for bad pleading, which helped ensure that everyone was treated fairly in court.