The Clameur De Haro is an ancient legal injunction of restraint employed by a person that believes they are being wronged by another at that moment.
Based in Norman law , it is believed to be a plea for justice to Rollo of Normandy, the 10th century founder of the Duchy of Normandy. It survives as a fully enforceable law to this day, but only in the Channel Islands and is still used, though infrequently, and nowadays only for civil matters.
The procedure is performed on one's knees before witnesses, in the presence of the wrong-doer and in the location of the offense. The "Criant" with his hand in the air must call out -
- "Haro! Haro! Haro! À l'aide, mon Prince, on me fait tort."
- (Hear me! Hear me! Hear me! Help me, my Prince for I am being wronged.)
Following this, the Criant must recite the Lord's Prayer in French.
On hearing this, the alleged wrong-doer must cease their challenged activities until the matter is adjudicated in court. Failure to stop may lead to the imposition of a fine, whether they were in the right or not. If the Criant is found to have called Haro without valid reason, they in turn may pay a penalty.
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Last updated: 09-01-2005 07:35:24
