Legal Definitions - laughe

Definition: Laughe is a term used in history that refers to a promise given by a group of ten freeholders, known as a tithing, to the sovereign to ensure good conduct. This promise was also known as frankpledge and was of Saxon origin but continued after the Norman Conquest. The members of the group were not liable for an injury caused by an offending member, but they did act as bail to ensure that the culprit would appear in court. They were bound to produce a wrongdoer for trial.

Example: In the time of Cnut, a group of ten men was formed who were responsible for each other, in the sense that every one was security, borh, for the good behavior of the others. This group was called fri-borh, frankpledge, and remained for a long time one of the chief police methods of England.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the term laughe or frankpledge was used in history to ensure good conduct and maintain law and order. The group of ten men were responsible for each other's behavior and acted as a form of policing in the absence of elaborate royal officials. They were bound to produce a wrongdoer for trial, which shows how seriously they took their responsibility to maintain good conduct within their group.