Legal Definitions - conquest

Definition: Conquest refers to the act of acquiring land or territory by force or any other means apart from inheritance or purchase.

There are three historical meanings of conquest:

1. International law: During a war, a belligerent occupies territory within an enemy country with the intention of extending its sovereignty over that territory. This intention is usually explained in a proclamation or some other legal act.
2. Acquisition of land: The acquisition of land by any method other than descent, especially by purchase.
3. The land acquired: The land that is acquired through conquest.

For example, when a country invades another country and takes control of its territory, it is considered a conquest. The intention of the invading country is to extend its sovereignty over the conquered territory. Similarly, when a person acquires land through means other than inheritance or purchase, it is considered a conquest.

The term "conquest" is often associated with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. William the Conqueror, the first of his family to acquire the crown of England, was referred to as the "conqueror" or "conquisitor" because he acquired the crown through conquest. However, the term "conquest" in this context does not necessarily imply victory, but rather the acquisition of the crown through means other than inheritance or purchase.