Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A capitulary is a collection of laws that are organized in a specific way. It can also refer to a set of laws made by a Frankish king, like Charlemagne, that deal with religious matters.
A capitulary is a collection or code of laws that are organized in an orderly and systematic way. The term comes from the Latin word "chapter or section (of a code)".
Historically, a capitulary referred to a series of laws enacted by a Frankish king, particularly Charlemagne, that dealt with ecclesiastical affairs. These laws were important in shaping the legal system of medieval Europe.
For example, Charlemagne's Capitulary of Herstal was a set of laws that regulated the behavior of the clergy and the laity. It included provisions on the duties of bishops, the punishment for heresy, and the rights of the church.
Another example is the Capitulary of Aachen, which was a set of laws that regulated the behavior of the Frankish nobility. It included provisions on inheritance, marriage, and the duties of lords to their vassals.
These examples illustrate how a capitulary was an important tool for organizing and regulating society in medieval Europe. They show how laws were created and enforced, and how they shaped the behavior of individuals and institutions.