amercement

amercement ([schwa]-m[schwa]rs-m[schwa]nt), n. [fr. Law French estre à merci “to be at the mercy (of another),” fr. Latin merces “payment”]

1. The imposition of a discretionary fine or penalty by a court, esp. on an official for misconduct (an amercement proceeding).

2. The fine or penalty so imposed (an amercement charged to the sheriff for failing to return the writ of execution). — Also termed cashlite; (archaically) amer-ciament; merciament. [Cases: Sheriffs and Constables 125. C.J.S. Sheriffs and Constables §§ 335–385.]

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词条贡献者

资深译员Steven，毕业于美国一流的高级翻译学院，专注翻译各种与政府政策有关的法律文件。