Legal Definitions - a manibus

a manibus

Historically, an a manibus was a specialized scribe or clerk who served directly under a monarch (a king or queen). These individuals were entrusted with the critical task of drafting, writing, copying, and maintaining official royal documents, decrees, correspondence, and records. Their work was essential for the administration and communication of the royal court.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of an a manibus:

• Imagine a medieval king deciding to grant a new piece of land to a loyal knight. The a manibus would be responsible for meticulously drafting the official charter or deed, ensuring all legal language was correct, and then creating multiple copies for the royal archives and the knight.

  This illustrates the term because the a manibus is directly creating a formal legal document on behalf of the king, demonstrating their role as a royal scribe.

• Consider a queen in the 16th century who needs to send an urgent diplomatic letter to a neighboring kingdom to negotiate a peace treaty. Her a manibus would be tasked with carefully transcribing the queen's dictated message, ensuring it was written in the appropriate formal style, and then preparing the final parchment for sealing and delivery.

  This illustrates the term by showing the a manibus's involvement in critical royal correspondence and diplomatic efforts, acting as the monarch's official hand in written communication.

• During a period of significant legal reform, a monarch might issue several new edicts outlining changes to the kingdom's laws. The a manibus would be responsible for accurately recording these new laws, compiling them into official registers, and ensuring that precise copies were made for distribution to various courts and officials throughout the realm.

  This illustrates the term as it highlights the a manibus's role in documenting and disseminating royal legislation, which was fundamental to the monarch's governance.