Legal Definitions - annus, dies, et vastum

Annus, dies, et vastum is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "year, day, and waste."

Historically, under English common law, this term described a specific right of the Crown (the monarch) to occupy and intentionally damage a felon's land for a period of a year and a day. This right was a consequence of the tenant committing a felony (a serious crime), serving as a form of punishment and forfeiture before the land would eventually revert to the immediate feudal lord. The "waste" aspect meant the Crown could intentionally cause damage, neglect the property, or extract resources from it during its occupation, thereby diminishing its value.

Here are some examples:

• Imagine a medieval baron, Sir Reginald, who is convicted of a serious felony, such as rebellion against the King. As a consequence, the King's agents would invoke the right of annus, dies, et vastum. They would take possession of Sir Reginald's estate for a year and a day, during which time they might fell valuable timber, neglect the upkeep of buildings, or allow fields to go uncultivated. After this specific period, the damaged and depleted estate would then revert to Sir Reginald's feudal overlord, not directly back to Sir Reginald or his heirs.

• Consider a wealthy merchant, Lord Thomas, who is found guilty of high treason, a capital felony. The Crown would exercise its right of annus, dies, et vastum over his extensive properties. For a year and a day, royal officials might strip lead from the roofs of his manor houses, sell off his livestock and farm equipment for profit, and allow his orchards to wither. This deliberate depletion of assets and neglect of the property served as a severe punishment, ensuring that when the land finally escheated (reverted) to the next feudal lord, its value would be significantly diminished.