Legal Definitions - advoutrer

An advoutrer is a historical legal term referring to a person who committed adultery.

In historical legal contexts, particularly in medieval English law, an advoutrer was an individual who engaged in sexual intercourse with another person's spouse. This act was considered a serious offense, often with significant social, religious, and legal repercussions, including potential fines, public shaming, or even more severe penalties depending on the specific legal system and era.

• Example 1: Medieval Manor Court Accusation
  During the 14th century, a man named Thomas was brought before the local manor court, accused by his neighbor, John, of being an advoutrer with John's wife, Eleanor. The court records would have noted Thomas as the advoutrer, and the proceedings would determine if he was guilty of the offense, potentially leading to a fine or public penance.

  This illustrates an advoutrer as an individual formally accused in a historical legal setting of committing adultery, highlighting the public and legal nature of such accusations in the past.

• Example 2: Ecclesiastical Court Proceedings
  In 16th-century England, a woman named Agnes was summoned to an ecclesiastical court after her husband accused her of being an advoutrer with a local merchant. The church court would investigate the allegations, as adultery was considered a grave sin and a moral offense under church law, which held significant legal authority at the time.

  Here, Agnes is identified as an advoutrer within the context of church legal proceedings, demonstrating how religious institutions historically addressed marital infidelity and the individuals involved.

• Example 3: Disputed Inheritance and Legitimacy
  Imagine a historical case where a wealthy landowner died, and the legitimacy of his supposed heir was questioned. Evidence might be presented alleging that the heir's mother had been an advoutrer, meaning the child was not the landowner's biological offspring. If proven, this could invalidate the heir's claim to the estate and title.

  This example shows how the status of being an advoutrer could have profound legal consequences, particularly concerning lineage and the rightful succession of property or titles in historical legal systems.