Legal Definitions - catallis captis nomine districtionis

Catallis captis nomine districtionis is a historical legal term derived from Latin, meaning "chattels taken in the name of distress." Historically, this referred to a specific legal writ that allowed a landlord to seize certain parts of a tenant's property—specifically the doors, windows, and gates of their house—as a form of "distress" when the tenant failed to pay rent. This was a severe measure intended to compel payment by making the property uninhabitable or unusable until the debt was settled.

• Imagine a tenant farmer, Elias, in 15th-century England, who has fallen behind on his annual rent payments to Lord Beaumont for his farmhouse and surrounding fields. Despite repeated requests, Elias has been unable to gather the necessary funds. Lord Beaumont, seeking to recover his owed rent, could petition the local court for a writ of catallis captis nomine districtionis. Upon receiving this writ, Lord Beaumont's bailiffs would be legally permitted to remove the doors and windows from Elias's farmhouse. This act would render the house exposed to the elements and insecure, effectively making it uninhabitable and pressuring Elias to find a way to pay the overdue rent to regain full use of his home.

• Consider a weaver named Agnes who rents a small dwelling within a bustling medieval town from a wealthy merchant, Master Thomas. Agnes has struggled due to a poor harvest affecting wool prices and has missed several months' rent. Master Thomas, frustrated by the lack of payment, could obtain a writ of catallis captis nomine districtionis. With this writ, Master Thomas's agents could legally dismantle and remove the main door and window shutters from Agnes's house. This action would leave her home open to the street, vulnerable to theft and weather, thereby creating significant distress and a strong incentive for Agnes to settle her debt with Master Thomas.

• In a 14th-century market town, a baker named John rents a shop with living quarters above it from the local guild master, Robert. John's business has suffered, and he owes a substantial amount of back rent. To enforce payment, Robert might apply for a writ of catallis captis nomine districtionis. If granted, this writ would authorize Robert to remove the heavy wooden door and window coverings of John's bakery and the gate to his small yard. This would not only expose John's living space but also make his shop impossible to secure or operate effectively, severely disrupting his livelihood and forcing him to address the outstanding rent to resume his trade.