Legal Definitions - lairwite

Definition: A fine for adultery or fornication paid to the lord of the manor; especially, a lord's privilege of receiving a fine for fornication with the lord's female villeins.

Example: In medieval times, if a man had sexual relations with a female villein who belonged to the lord of the manor, he would have to pay a lairwite as a fine to the lord.

This example illustrates how lairwite was a way for lords to control the sexual behavior of their female villeins and to profit from it.

Definition: Laymen; a jury.

Example: In a trial during the Middle Ages, the lais gents were responsible for deciding the guilt or innocence of the accused.

This example shows how lais gents were a group of laymen who were chosen to serve on a jury and make important legal decisions.

Definition: Governmental abstention from interfering in economic or commercial affairs. The doctrine favoring such abstention.

Example: The laissez-faire approach to economics suggests that the government should not regulate businesses and instead allow the free market to operate on its own.

This example illustrates how laissez-faire is a philosophy that advocates for minimal government intervention in economic affairs, allowing businesses to operate freely without interference.