lawburrows

lawburrows

an ancient Scots remedy requiring an apprehended wrongdoer to find caution or put up money to keep the peace. It dates back to before the 15th century but was nonetheless used a number of times in the 20th century. ‘Burrow’ or ‘burgh’ was an old Scots word for caution, so the remedy involves the court ordering a party to put up a sum of money or a bond that is forfeit should the law be broken by that party. The availability of interdict and the introduction of a modern police force have rendered it less important, to the point of obsolescence.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006