Demise in United Kingdom

Definition of Demise

In accordance with the work A Dictionary of Law, this is a description of Demise : (in land law)

• v. To grant a lease.
• n. The lease itself.

History

Demise, an Anglo-French legal term (from the Fr. démettre, Lat. dimittere, to send away) for a transfer of an estate, especially by lease. The word has an operative effect in a lease implying a covenant for “quiet enjoyment” (see Landlord and Tenant). The phrase “demise of the crown” is used in English law to signify the immediate transfer of the sovereignty, with all its attributes and prerogatives, to the successor without any interregnum in accordance with the maxim “the king never dies.” At common law the death of the sovereign eo facto dissolved parliament, but this was abolished by the Representation of the People Act 1867, § 51. Similarly the common law doctrine that all offices held under the crown determined at its demise has been negatived by the Demise of the Crown Act 1901. “Demise” is thus often used loosely for death or decease. (1)

Resources

Notes and References

1. Encyclopedia Britannica (11th Edition)

See Also

Further Reading