Legal Definitions - conceptum

Conceptum

In historical civil law, conceptum refers to a specific type of theft where a stolen item was actively sought out, located in someone's possession, and this discovery occurred in the presence of witnesses. It was a formal procedure to establish evidence of the theft.

• Scenario: A farmer, Mr. Elias, discovers his prize-winning plow has been stolen from his barn. He suspects his rival, Mr. Jensen. Accompanied by the village elder and two other farmers, Mr. Elias formally requests to search Mr. Jensen's property. During the search, they find Mr. Elias's distinctive plow hidden within Mr. Jensen's shed.

  This illustrates conceptum because the stolen plow was specifically searched for, found in Mr. Jensen's possession, and the entire discovery took place with multiple witnesses (the elder and two other farmers) present, formally establishing the theft.

• Scenario: A jeweler, Ms. Chen, realizes a unique sapphire necklace has been taken from her display case at a bustling market. She suspects another vendor, Mr. Patel, who sells similar items. With the market supervisor and several other merchants observing, Ms. Chen points out her unique necklace displayed prominently in Mr. Patel's stall, confirming it as her stolen property.

  This is an instance of conceptum because Ms. Chen's stolen necklace was actively sought out, located in Mr. Patel's possession, and its discovery was witnessed by the market supervisor and other vendors, fulfilling the requirement of public observation.

• Scenario: Lady Beatrice's valuable antique tapestry goes missing from her manor. She suspects one of her household staff, a footman named Thomas. Lady Beatrice, accompanied by her estate manager and another servant, conducts a search of Thomas's personal quarters. They discover the tapestry, carefully folded, hidden inside Thomas's wardrobe.

  This scenario demonstrates conceptum as the stolen tapestry was specifically searched for, found in Thomas's possession, and its discovery was made in the presence of witnesses (the estate manager and another servant), thereby formally establishing the theft.