A compter was a form of prison utilised in the past to house debtors until they repaid their debts. However, it is no longer in use.
CompterCompter, during the 18th and 19th centuries, was a prison where individuals who were in debt were detained until they could settle their financial obligations. Many people who were unable to repay their debts were sent to compters. For instance, if someone borrowed money and could not repay it, they might be sent to a compter until they could settle their debt. In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the character Ebenezer Scrooge threatens to send his debtor, Bob Cratchit, to the compter if he does not repay his loan. These examples illustrate how compters were used as a means of punishment for those who could not repay their debts, forcing them to settle their obligations even if it meant imprisonment.
Yes, hacking into someone’s computer without their permission is illegal and considered a cybercrime.
Yes, you can be held legally responsible for the content you post on social media, especially if it involves defamation, harassment, or copyright infringement.
No, downloading copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder is illegal and constitutes copyright infringement.
Yes, sharing someone else’s personal information without their consent can lead to legal consequences, such as invasion of privacy or identity theft.
Cyberbullying can have serious legal consequences, including harassment charges, defamation claims, and even criminal charges in some cases.
Yes, if someone uses your Wi-Fi network to engage in illegal activities, you may be held responsible for their actions, so it is important to secure your network and monitor its usage.
In most cases, employers have the right to monitor their employees’ computer activities, as long as they inform them in advance and the monitoring is done for legitimate business purposes.
Yes, using someone else’s copyrighted image without permission can result in a copyright infringement lawsuit, which may lead to financial penalties and the requirement to remove the image.
No, selling software or digital products that you have downloaded for free without the proper licensing or permission from the copyright holder is illegal and constitutes copyright infringement.
Yes, as a website owner, you have a legal obligation to take reasonable measures to protect your customers’ personal information from unauthorized access or data breaches. Failure to do so can result in legal liability.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/compter/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Compter. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/compter/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Compter. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/compter/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Compter. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/compter/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts