Legal Definitions - commission of rebellion

The commission of rebellion was a legal process used in the past to enforce obedience to a writ of subpoena or decree. It allowed a layperson to arrest and bring a defendant to Chancery. This process was abolished in 1841.

For example, if someone was ordered by a court to appear before it on a certain day but failed to do so, the court could issue a commission of rebellion. This commission would command certain people to apprehend the person who failed to appear and bring them to court. Failure to comply with the commission could result in penalties.

The commission of rebellion was a way for the court to enforce its orders and maintain the rule of law. It was used in cases where someone refused to obey a court order or failed to appear in court when required.