Legal Definitions - King

Definition: In English law, the term "King" refers to the British government or the Crown. In modern times, it is more common to use the term "Crown" when referring to the King in his public capacity as a body politic. For example, we speak of the property of the Crown, debts due by the Crown, and legal proceedings by and against the Crown. This usage is convenient because it helps to distinguish between the body politic and the human being who represents it.

Example: When we talk about the property of the Crown, we mean the property that the King holds in right of his Crown. This could include land, buildings, or other assets that are owned by the government.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the term "Crown" is used to refer to the King's property in his public capacity. By using this term, we can avoid confusion between the King as a human being and the King as a representative of the government.