Legal Definitions - Court of Regard

Definition: The Court of Regard was a forest court that dealt with issues related to waste and encroachment on forest land, such as purpresture. It was also responsible for ensuring that the feet of all mastiffs, a breed of dog allowed in royal forests as guard dogs, were declawed and cut to prevent them from chasing deer.

Example: If someone built a structure on forest land without permission, the Court of Regard would investigate the matter and determine if it constituted waste or encroachment. If it did, the court would order the structure to be removed and the land restored to its original state.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the Court of Regard dealt with issues related to waste and encroachment on forest land. If someone violated the rules of the forest, the court would investigate and take appropriate action to protect the forest and its resources.