Legal Definitions - comites paleys

COMITES PALEYS

Comites paleys (pronounced kom-uh-teez pa-lays) is a term from Law French that refers to counts or earls palatine. These individuals have the authority to exercise royal privileges in a county palatine.

For example, the Earl of Chester was a comites paleys because he had the power to administer justice and collect taxes in his county palatine of Chester. Similarly, the Bishop of Durham was also a comites paleys because he had similar powers in his county palatine of Durham.

These examples illustrate how comites paleys were individuals who held significant power and authority within their respective county palatines.