Legal Definitions - estates of the realm

Definition: Estates of the realm refer to the different groups of people who hold power in a country or region. In Great Britain, the estates of the realm are the lords spiritual, the lords temporal, and the commons. In feudal Europe, the estates were the clergy, nobles, and commons.

Example: In Great Britain, the lords spiritual are made up of the bishops and archbishops of the Church of England, while the lords temporal are the hereditary peers and life peers who sit in the House of Lords. The commons are the elected members of the House of Commons.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the estates of the realm are divided in Great Britain. The lords spiritual and lords temporal make up the upper house of Parliament, while the commons make up the lower house. Each estate has its own role and responsibilities in the government.