in Law, a written instrument, or evidence of things acted between one person and another. The word charter comes from the Latin charta, anciently used for a public and authentic act, a donation, contract, or the like; from the Greek ξάρτην, "thick paper" or "pallet board," whereon public acts were wont to be written. Britton divides charters into those of the king, and those of private persons.

1. Charters of the king, are those whereby the king grants any grant to any person or body politic, as a charter of exemption, of privilege, &c., charter of pardon, whereby a man is forgiven a felony, or other offence committed against the king's crown and dignity; charter of the forest, wherein the laws of the forest are compiled, such as the charter of Canutus, &c.

2. Charters of private persons, are deeds and instruments for the conveyance of lands, &c. And the purchaser of lands shall have all the charters, deeds, and evidences, as incident to the same, and for the maintenance of his title.

CHARTER-GOVERNMENTS in America. See COLONY.