A financial penalty imposed by a court for an offence or failure to fulfil an obligation.
An amercement was a financial penalty imposed by a court, including the manorial court, for an offence or failure to carry out an obligation.
Unlike a fixed fine, an amercement was originally described as a payment made “at the mercy” of the lord or court. The amount could be assessed by affeerors, who considered the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances of the person involved.
Manorial court rolls frequently record amercements for matters such as failing to repair boundaries, allowing animals to trespass, neglecting customary duties or breaking local regulations.
See also:
Affeeror
Court Baron
Fine
Presentment
