Legal Definitions - affidatio dominorum

Affidatio dominorum refers to a historical legal practice involving a formal oath taken by members of the nobility who held seats in Parliament.

This oath served as a solemn declaration or promise, typically affirming their loyalty, commitment to their parliamentary duties, or adherence to specific principles or decisions relevant to their legislative role.

• Example 1: Oath of Allegiance for New Peers

  Imagine a newly created Earl, having received his writ of summons, arrives to take his seat in the House of Lords during the medieval period. Before he could fully participate in debates or votes, he would be required to perform an affidatio dominorum. This would involve swearing an oath of allegiance to the reigning monarch and pledging to uphold the laws and customs of the kingdom. This act formally integrated him into the legislative body and secured his commitment to the Crown.

• Example 2: Oath for Impeachment Proceedings

  Consider a historical scenario where the House of Lords was acting as a court of impeachment, trying a high-ranking official accused of corruption. Before the trial commenced, each lord sitting in judgment would take an affidatio dominorum, swearing to hear the evidence fairly and to render a just verdict without bias or personal interest. This oath emphasized the solemnity and impartiality required for their judicial function within Parliament.

• Example 3: Affirmation of a Major Statute

  Suppose a significant new statute, perhaps concerning the rights of tenants or the collection of taxes, had been debated and passed by Parliament. To ensure the widespread acceptance and enforcement of this new law, the assembled lords might collectively perform an affidatio dominorum. Through this oath, they would publicly affirm their support for the legislation and commit to ensuring its implementation within their own jurisdictions, thereby solidifying its authority across the realm.