Legal Definitions - writ of mainprise

Definition: A writ of mainprise is a legal document that orders the release of a prisoner from jail, provided that a surety (mainpernor) takes responsibility for the prisoner's appearance in court on a specified date and time. The suretyship undertaking makes the surety responsible for the prisoner's appearance in court.

Examples:

• John was arrested for theft and was granted a writ of mainprise. His friend, Tom, acted as his mainpernor and took responsibility for John's appearance in court.
• Mary was arrested for a traffic violation and was granted a writ of mainprise. Her father, who was a lawyer, acted as her mainpernor and took responsibility for her appearance in court.

These examples illustrate how a writ of mainprise works. In both cases, the prisoners were released from jail on the surety of a mainpernor. The mainpernors took responsibility for the prisoners' appearance in court, ensuring that they would show up on the specified date and time.