Legal Definitions - seal of cause

Seal of Cause is a term used in Scots law to refer to the seal of a burgh court. This seal was used by a royal burgh to create a subordinatecorporation by charter. The purpose of this seal was to create charitable corporations and craft guilds.

For example, if a royal burgh wanted to create a charitable organization to help the poor, they could use the seal of cause to create a subordinate corporation. This corporation would have the power to collect donations and distribute them to those in need.

Another example would be if a royal burgh wanted to create a craft guild to regulate the quality of goods produced in the town. They could use the seal of cause to create a subordinate corporation that would have the power to regulate the craft guild.

These examples illustrate how the seal of cause was used to create subordinate corporations that had specific powers and responsibilities. These corporations were created to serve the needs of the town and its inhabitants.