Legal Definitions - Carta Forestae

Definition: Carta Forestae is a charter that was created to define the extent of the Crown's rights and privileges in the royal forests. It also granted some rights to the common people to use the forests and reduced the penalties for crimes such as poaching. The charter was first introduced in 1217 and revised in 1225.

Example: The Carta Forestae was an important document in medieval England that helped to regulate the use of the royal forests. It allowed people to gather firewood and graze their animals in the forests, but it also protected the forests from overuse and destruction.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the Carta Forestae granted some rights to the common people to use the forests, but also protected the forests from overuse and destruction. It was an important document that helped to balance the needs of the people with the needs of the environment.