Legal Definitions - Charta de Foresta

Definition: Charta de Foresta is a historical charter that established 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 Charta de Foresta allowed common people to collect firewood, graze their animals, and hunt for food in the royal forests without facing severe punishment. This was a significant change from the previous laws that restricted access to the forests and imposed harsh penalties for any violation.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the Charta de Foresta granted some rights to the common people to use the royal forests for their basic needs. It recognized their dependence on the forests for survival and reduced the severity of punishment for minor offenses. This charter was an important step towards establishing a more equitable society where the rights of the common people were recognized and protected.