sergeant-at-law
Definition
Noun: 1. A high-ranking barrister in England: A "sergeant-at-law" (historically "serjeant-at-law") was a member of a superior order of English barristers. This rank, now obsolete, was the highest order of counsel at the English Bar. Sergeants-at-law had exclusive rights of audience in certain courts and were the only lawyers eligible to become judges in the superior common law courts.
Usage
- The term is used in a historical or formal legal context to refer to this specific, now-defunct, rank within the English legal system.
- It is often seen in historical texts, legal histories, or discussions of the evolution of the legal profession.
Examples
- Noun:
- Sir Edward Coke, a renowned jurist, was appointed a sergeant-at-law in 1594.
- The title of sergeant-at-law was abolished in the 19th century.
- Only a sergeant-at-law could be appointed as a judge to the Court of Common Pleas.
Advanced Usage
- The term is frequently encountered in its historical spelling: serjeant-at-law.
- The group of sergeants-at-law was collectively known as the Order of the Coif, named after the distinctive white coif (a close-fitting cap) they wore as part of their formal dress.
Variants and Related Words
- Serjeant-at-law: The older and historically more common spelling of "sergeant-at-law".
- King's/Queen's Serjeant: The title given to a sergeant-at-law who was appointed to serve the monarch as senior legal advisor.
- Barrister: A lawyer qualified to represent clients in higher courts. A sergeant-at-law was a specific, elite rank of barrister.
- Order of the Coif: The honorary society of sergeants-at-law.
Synonyms
- Serjeant (in historical legal context)
- High-ranking barrister (descriptive synonym)
- Senior counsel (in a broad, comparative sense)
Notes on Different Meanings
- This term is specific to English legal history. It should not be confused with the military rank of sergeant.
- The modern equivalent in prestige, though not in specific function or title, might be a King's Counsel (KC) or Queen's Counsel (QC), a senior barrister appointed by the monarch.
Noun
-
an English barrister of the highest rank
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
