POOR

As used in law, this term denotes those who are so destitute of property or of the means of support, either from their own olabor or the care of relatives, as to be a public charge, that 1B, dependent either on the charity of the general public or on maintenance at the expense of the public. The term is synonymous with “indigent persons” and “paupers.” Poor debtor’s oath. An oath allowed, in some jurisdictions, to a person who is arrested for debt. On swearing that he has not property enough to pay the debt, he is set at liberty. Poor law. That part’of the law which relates to the public or compulsory relief of paupers. Poor-law board. The English official body appointed under St. 10 A 11 Vict. c. 109, passed in 1847, to take the place of the poor-law commissioners, under whose control the general management of the poor, and the funds for their relief throughout the country, had been for some years previously administered. The poor-law board is now superseded by the local government board, which was established in 1871 by St. 34 & 35 Vict. c. 70. 3 Steph. Comm. 49. Poor-law guardians. See GUARDIANS OF THE POOR. Poor rate. In English law. A tax levied by parochial authorities for the relief of the poor.