Legal Definitions - causam nobis significes quare

Causam nobis significes quare

Historically, causam nobis significes quare was a specific type of legal order, or writ, issued by the English monarch. The Latin phrase translates to "that you signify to us the cause why."

This writ was used to command a local official, such as a town's mayor, to provide a formal explanation for why they had failed to transfer legal possession (known as "seisin") of land to an individual or entity that had been granted that land by the king.

In essence, it was a royal demand for a "show cause" explanation from a local authority who was obstructing or delaying the implementation of a royal land grant.

Here are some examples illustrating its application:

• Example 1: A Royal Grant to a Knight

  Imagine King Henry V, after a successful military campaign, grants a valuable manor to a loyal knight as a reward for his service. The local mayor, perhaps due to existing rivalries or a desire to maintain local control over the land's revenues, delays formally recognizing the knight's ownership and transferring the necessary legal possession. The knight, unable to fully claim his new property, petitions the King. In response, the King issues a causam nobis significes quare to the mayor, demanding a clear explanation for the obstruction and ordering the immediate transfer of seisin to the knight.

• Example 2: Land for a New Religious Foundation

  Consider King Edward III deciding to establish a new priory and granting a specific parcel of land within a town's jurisdiction for its construction and support. The town's bailiff, who previously oversaw the land and perhaps benefited from its use, resists transferring the property to the priory's representatives. The priory appeals to the Crown, highlighting the bailiff's non-compliance. The King would then issue a causam nobis significes quare to the bailiff, compelling him to explain his refusal and to ensure the royal grant was honored.

• Example 3: Dispute Over Forest Rights

  Suppose King John grants a noble family specific hunting and timber rights within a royal forest, which falls under the administration of a local forest warden. The warden, perhaps fearing a loss of personal influence or revenue from the forest, obstructs the noble family's access and use of their newly granted rights. The noble family complains to the King. The King, asserting his authority, would issue a causam nobis significes quare to the forest warden, demanding an explanation for the failure to uphold the royal grant and to ensure the noble family received their rightful seisin of the specified rights.