| Dictionary |
|
franchise (1) A liberty or privilege. At common law, a franchise is a royal privilege or branch of the Crowns prerogative, subsisting in the hands of a subject, either by grant or by prescription. It is an incorporeal hereditament. It not only authorises something to be done, but give the owner the right of preventing others from interfering. Examples are the right to hold a market or maintain a ferry. (2) The right to elect a Member of Parliament. |
|
See Also: Statutory Definition |