Legal Definitions - chase

Definition: A chase is a franchise granted by the Crown that allows the grantee to keep animals for hunting within a specific district. This franchise is also known as a free chase, which is different from a chase royal, which is held by the Crown. A common chase is a chase where everyone is allowed to hunt.

• A nobleman was granted a chase by the Crown, which allowed him to hunt animals within a specific area.
• The common chase in the nearby forest is open to all hunters.

The first example illustrates the definition of a chase as a franchise granted by the Crown. The nobleman was given permission to hunt animals within a specific district, which is the essence of a chase. The second example illustrates a common chase, where everyone is allowed to hunt. This is different from a free chase, which is granted to a specific individual or group.