Legal Definitions - extent

Definition: Extent is a legal term that refers to the seizure of property in execution of a writ. It can also refer to a writ issued by the Exchequer to recover a debt owed to the Crown, under which the debtor's lands, goods, or body could all be seized to secure payment. Additionally, it can refer to a writ giving a creditor temporary possession of the debtor's property, especially land.

• If a person owes a debt to the government, the government may issue a writ of extent to seize the person's property, such as their land or goods, to secure payment.
• A creditor may use a writ of extent to gain temporary possession of a debtor's property, such as their land, until the debt is paid.

These examples illustrate how extent is a legal term used to describe the seizure of property in order to secure payment of a debt. It shows how the government or a creditor can use a writ of extent to take possession of a debtor's property, such as their land or goods, to ensure that the debt is paid.