Champerty meaning

Champerty is a legal practice where a third party financially supports ongoing litigation in exchange for a share of the settlement.


Champerty definitions

Word backwards ytrepmahc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division The syllable separation of the word champerty is cham-per-ty.
Plural The plural of champerty is champerties.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (7) c,h,m,p,r,t,y

Champerty is a term that refers to an agreement in which a person who is not a party to a lawsuit financially supports one of the parties in exchange for a share of the proceeds if the lawsuit is successful. This practice is typically considered unethical and is often prohibited by law.

Origin of Champerty

The concept of champerty has its roots in medieval English law and was originally intended to prevent unnecessary and frivolous lawsuits. Champerty was seen as a form of meddling in the legal process by encouraging lawsuits that may not have otherwise been pursued.

Champerty vs. Maintenance

Champerty is closely related to another legal concept known as maintenance, which involves a third party providing assistance or support to one of the parties in a lawsuit without any expectation of sharing in the proceeds. While both champerty and maintenance are generally frowned upon, champerty is considered more objectionable because it involves a direct financial interest in the outcome of the case.

Legality of Champerty

Many jurisdictions have laws that specifically prohibit champerty due to concerns about the potential for abuse and unethical behavior. These laws are designed to protect the integrity of the legal system and ensure that lawsuits are pursued for legitimate reasons rather than financial gain.

In some cases, however, champerty may be permitted under certain circumstances. For example, litigation funding, where a third party provides financial support to a party in exchange for a portion of the proceeds, is becoming more common in some countries. These arrangements are carefully regulated to prevent abuse and ensure that they are in the best interests of all parties involved.

Despite its controversial nature, champerty continues to be a topic of debate in legal circles. Proponents argue that it can help level the playing field for individuals who may not otherwise have the financial resources to pursue a lawsuit, while critics raise concerns about the potential for abuse and manipulation of the legal system.


Champerty Examples

  1. The lawyer was accused of champerty for agreeing to finance the lawsuit in exchange for a portion of the settlement.
  2. Champerty is considered unethical in many jurisdictions because it can lead to frivolous lawsuits.
  3. The judge dismissed the case due to champerty between the plaintiff and a third party.
  4. In some states, champerty is a criminal offense punishable by fines or imprisonment.
  5. The attorney advised against engaging in champerty as it could harm her reputation.
  6. Champerty can be a risky strategy for investors looking to profit from legal disputes.
  7. The businessman was sued for champerty after funding a lawsuit against a competitor.
  8. The court ruled that champerty laws did not apply to the funding agreement in question.
  9. Legal experts debated the ethics of champerty and whether it should be permitted under certain circumstances.
  10. The plaintiff's attorney denied any involvement in champerty and claimed that the funding arrangement was legitimate.


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  • Updated 21/06/2024 - 06:55:39