Chancery: meaning, definitions and examples
⚖️
chancery
[ ˈtʃænsəri ]
legal institution
A chancery is a type of court that historically dealt with cases involving equity, as opposed to common law. It is often concerned with issues such as trusts, estates, and guardianship. The origin of chancery courts can be traced back to medieval England, where they were established to provide justice in cases that were not adequately addressed by the common law courts. These courts typically rely on written evidence and are presided over by judges who have the discretion to make equitable decisions. The Chancery Division of the High Court in England and Wales continues to function in this capacity today.
Synonyms
court of equity, equity court, equity tribunal.
Examples of usage
- The chancery ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
- She filed her case in the chancery court.
- The chancery dealt with the complex estate issues.
Translations
Translations of the word "chancery" in other languages:
🇵🇹 chancelaria
🇮🇳 चांसरी
🇩🇪 Kanzlei
🇮🇩 kantor
🇺🇦 канцелярія
🇵🇱 kancleria
🇯🇵 大蔵省
🇫🇷 chancellerie
🇪🇸 cancillería
🇹🇷 katiplik
🇰🇷 법무부
🇸🇦 الكتابة
🇨🇿 kanclář
🇸🇰 kancléria
🇨🇳 法务处
🇸🇮 kanclerija
🇮🇸 skrifstofa
🇰🇿 канцелярия
🇬🇪 კანცელარია
🇦🇿 kanslerlik
🇲🇽 cancillería
Etymology
The term 'chancery' originated from the Latin word 'cancelleria', which referred to the office of a scribe or the place where official documents were kept. The evolution of the term reflects its historical significance in the context of justice administration. In medieval England, a chancellor was a prominent official responsible for the affairs of the church and the king, handling legal matters that were often beyond the reach of common law. Chancery courts emerged to address grievances that required fairness rather than strict adherence to the law. Over time, they developed a separate identity within the legal system, specifically focusing on equitable relief and justice. Today, the legacy of chancery courts persists, particularly in jurisdictions that recognize the need for equitable principles in the legal process.