Legal Definitions - champion

Definition: In history, a champion was a person chosen to represent a defendant in a trial by combat. The champion would fight against the accuser, and if they won, the defendant was declared innocent. However, if the champion lost, the defendant was found guilty. If the champion survived, they were fined for defending an unjust cause, but if they died, they were buried in unhallowed ground.

Example: In medieval Europe and England, trial by combat was a common practice. For example, if someone was accused of a crime, they could choose a champion to fight for them. The champion would fight against the accuser, and whoever won would determine the outcome of the trial.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a champion was chosen to represent a defendant in a trial by combat. The champion was expected to fight for the defendant's innocence, and if they won, the defendant would be declared innocent. However, if they lost, the defendant would be found guilty. This practice was common in medieval times but is no longer used today.