English law English law is the common law legal system of England and Wales, comprising mainly criminal law and civil law, each branch having its own courts and procedures. Principal elements of English law Although the common law has, historically, be ...

, ''contra format collations'' was a

writ In common law, a writ (Anglo-Saxon ''gewrit'', Latin ''breve'') is a formal written order issued by a body with administrative or judicial jurisdiction; in modern usage, this body is generally a court. Warrants, prerogative writs, subpoenas, a ...

to recover donations in a situation where a man had given perpetual

alms Alms (, ) are money, food, or other material goods donated to people living in poverty. Providing alms is often considered an act of virtue or Charity (practice), charity. The act of providing alms is called almsgiving, and it is a widespread p ...

to a religious house, hospital, school, or the like, and the governor or managers had alienated the lands, contrary to the intention of the donor.

References

English legal terminology English property law Ecclesiastical writs Legal documents with Latin names {{England-law-stub

See also

References