STARCHAMBER Meaning and
Definition
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The term "starchamber" refers to a historical court of law in England, dating back to the late 15th century. The Star Chamber, originally known as the Court of Star Chamber, was a judicial institution that exercised extraordinary power and authority.
The Star Chamber was distinguished from other courts in that it consisted of a panel of judges rather than a jury. These judges, appointed by the monarch, were typically influential individuals such as nobles, bishops, and high-ranking officials. The court held its sessions in a room lined with stars on the ceiling, which is believed to be the origin of its name.
The primary purpose of the Star Chamber was to handle cases that the regular courts could not adequately address. It dealt with matters such as perjury, public disorder, riots, and cases involving the nobility or powerful individuals. The court was known for its powers of enforcement, as it could impose punishments beyond fines and imprisonment, including corporal and capital punishment.
Due to its secretive nature and the ability to bypass traditional legal procedures, the Star Chamber became associated with arbitrary and tyrannical justice. It often dealt with political dissent and engaged in acts of intimidation and persecution. The court was abolished in 1641 during the English Civil War, as part of the push for legal reform.
In modern usage, the term "Starchamber" has come to signify any secretive or powerful institution that exercises excessive, unfair, or arbitrary authority, often as a means of suppressing individual rights and liberties.
Common Misspellings for STARCHAMBER
- star chamber
- atarchamber
- ztarchamber
- xtarchamber
- dtarchamber
- etarchamber
- wtarchamber
- srarchamber
- sfarchamber
- sgarchamber
- syarchamber
- s6archamber
- s5archamber
- stzrchamber
- stsrchamber
- stwrchamber
- stqrchamber
- staechamber
- stadchamber
- stafchamber
Etymology of STARCHAMBER
The word "Star Chamber" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the combination of two words: "star" and "chamber".
The term "star" originates from the Old English word "steorra" and Middle English word "starre", which both refer to the celestial bodies we know as stars. In this context, "star" has a metaphorical meaning. It represents the idea of justice being administered in a fair and impartial manner, just as the stars are considered to be unbiased and constant.
The term "chamber" comes from the Old French word "chambre", meaning "room". Over time, it developed to refer to a private room or an enclosed space. The "chamber" in "Star Chamber" does not directly indicate a physical location but rather refers to a particular type of legal tribunal where proceedings took place.
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