Legal Definitions - brevia selecta

Brevia selecta is a Latin term that translates to "selected writs." In historical legal systems, a "writ" was a formal written command issued by a court, ordering a person or entity to perform a specific act or to refrain from doing so. These writs were the primary means by which legal actions were initiated and pursued.

Therefore, "brevia selecta" refers to a collection or compilation of particularly important, representative, or frequently used writs. These collections were often compiled for educational purposes, as a reference for legal practitioners, or to illustrate the range of legal remedies available through the court system at a particular time.

• Example 1: Legal Education in Medieval Times

  Imagine a student in 15th-century England studying to become a lawyer. Instead of learning every single type of writ ever issued, they would likely study a textbook or manuscript containing "brevia selecta." This collection would include the most common and essential writs, such as those for recovering land, demanding payment of a debt, or stopping a trespass. By mastering these selected writs, the student would gain a fundamental understanding of how to initiate various legal actions and the proper legal procedures.

  This example illustrates "brevia selecta" as a pedagogical tool, providing a curated selection of key legal instruments for educational purposes.

• Example 2: A Practitioner's Reference Guide

  Consider a busy lawyer in 17th-century London preparing a case for a client. If the client needed to sue someone for a broken promise, the lawyer might consult a "brevia selecta" compilation that served as a practical reference guide. This collection would provide templates and precise wording for various writs, such as a "writ of covenant" or a "writ of debt," ensuring the lawyer used the correct legal form and language to properly initiate the action in court without having to draft it entirely from memory or scratch.

  This demonstrates "brevia selecta" as a professional resource, offering a ready-made collection of essential legal forms for efficient practice.

• Example 3: Historical Legal Research

  A modern legal historian researching the evolution of property law in 13th-century England might analyze a surviving "brevia selecta" manuscript from that period. By examining the specific types of writs included in that historical collection – perhaps writs related to feudal tenure, inheritance disputes, or actions to recover stolen goods – the historian could gain insight into the prevailing legal issues of the time, the scope of judicial power, and the societal concerns that required legal remedies.

  This example highlights "brevia selecta" as a valuable primary source for understanding past legal systems and the historical context of legal development.