Hundred: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Legal Definition

Definition & Meaning

A hundred is a historical administrative division used in some regions of the United States. It was created to break down larger areas into smaller, manageable sections for governance. The term "hundred" comes from the number one hundred, which may have originally indicated a region that could supply a hundred men for military service or contained approximately a hundred homesteads. Today, this term is less common but still holds significance in certain legal and historical contexts.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

1. In colonial Virginia, a hundred was used to organize local governance and manage resources. Each hundred had its own leaders and was responsible for local administration.

2. (Hypothetical example) A historical property dispute arises in a region that was once divided into hundreds, requiring legal interpretation of old land grants that reference this division.

State-by-state differences

State Notes
Virginia Historically significant as many counties were divided into hundreds.
Maryland Hundreds were used for tax and military organization.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Township A subdivision of a county with its own government. A township is a modern administrative unit, while a hundred is a historical division.
County A larger administrative region that encompasses multiple towns or hundreds. A county is a broader jurisdiction compared to the smaller hundred.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you encounter the term "hundred" in legal documents or property disputes, it may be beneficial to consult historical records or legal professionals familiar with local governance. Users can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may help in addressing issues related to land use or property rights.

Quick facts

  • Historical administrative division.
  • Used primarily in Virginia and Maryland.
  • Related to local governance and land management.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A hundred is a historical division used for administrative purposes in some U.S. regions.