Legal Definitions - men of straw

Definition: Men of straw were false witnesses who were paid to give untrue testimony in courts. They would stuff straw into their shoes so that advocates could recognize them. This term is related to the concept of a straw man argument, which is when someone misrepresents their opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.

Example: In medieval times, men of straw would wander around courts and offer their false testimony for a fee. They were often used in cases where one party wanted to discredit the other or gain an advantage in a legal dispute.

Explanation: The example illustrates how men of straw were used to give false testimony in courts. By stuffing straw into their shoes, they could be easily identified by advocates who were familiar with this practice. This allowed them to be called out and discredited if they attempted to give false testimony. The term "men of straw" is still used today to refer to people who are willing to lie or misrepresent the truth for personal gain.