Legal Definitions - low justice

Definition: Low justice is a type of jurisdiction that deals with petty offenses. It is a historical term that refers to the power of a lord or a local official to administer justice in minor cases.

Example: In medieval times, a lord had the power of low justice in his own domain. This meant that he could punish people for minor crimes such as theft, trespassing, or disturbing the peace. The punishment could range from a fine to a short imprisonment or even a public whipping. However, the lord did not have the power of life and death, which was reserved for high justice.

Explanation: Low justice was a form of local justice that was based on customary law and local traditions. It was often arbitrary and unfair, as the lord had a personal interest in maintaining order and collecting fines. The punishments were often harsh and disproportionate to the offense. Low justice was abolished in most countries during the 19th century, as part of the modernization of the legal system.