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Simple English definitions for legal terms
codicillus
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A quick definition of codicillus:
Term: CODICILLUS
Definition: A codicillus is a small document that gives instructions to someone who will inherit property or money. It tells them what they need to do with it, like give it to someone else. In ancient Rome, these documents became legally binding during the reign of Augustus. Codicillus can also refer to a special privilege or appointment granted by an emperor.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Codicillus (kod-uh-sil-uhs) is a term from Roman law that refers to an informal document that instructs an heir to carry out a certain performance, usually the payment of money or the transfer of property to a third person. During the reign of Augustus (27 B.C.–A.D. 14), directives (fideicommissa) contained in codicilli became legally binding. Codicillus can also refer to an imperially granted appointment or special privilege.
Example: If a wealthy person wants to leave some of their money to a charity after they die, they can create a codicillus that instructs their heir to make the donation. The codicillus would be a separate document from the person's will, but it would still be legally binding. Another example of a codicillus might be an imperial decree granting a special privilege to a particular person or group.
Explanation: The examples illustrate how a codicillus can be used to give instructions to an heir or to grant a special privilege. In the case of the wealthy person leaving money to a charity, the codicillus ensures that the person's wishes are carried out even if their heir might have other plans for the money. The imperial decree example shows how a codicillus can be used to grant a special privilege or appointment to someone, which would be legally binding.