Legal Definitions - status of irremovability

Definition: The status of irremovability is a historical term that refers to a pauper's right to not be removed from a parish after residing there for one year.

Example: In the 19th century, if a person became destitute and had to rely on the parish for support, they could claim the status of irremovability after living in the parish for one year. This meant that the parish could not force them to leave and go to another parish for support.

Explanation: The status of irremovability was designed to prevent parishes from shirking their responsibility to care for the poor. If a person had lived in a parish for a year, they were considered a resident and entitled to support from that parish. The status of irremovability ensured that the parish could not simply send the person away to another parish to avoid providing support.