Legal Definitions - crastino

Crastino is a historical legal term derived from Law Latin, meaning "tomorrow" or "on the morrow." It was historically used in legal contexts to refer to the day immediately following a specific event, often related to court proceedings or the return of legal documents.

While no longer in common legal use, understanding crastino helps illuminate the procedural rhythms of historical legal systems, where specific days were designated for certain actions.

• Example 1: Scheduling a Court Appearance

  Imagine a medieval English court where a judge, after hearing initial arguments, might declare, "Let the defendant present their full defense crastino."

  Explanation: In this scenario, crastino signifies that the defendant was ordered to appear and present their defense the very next day, emphasizing the immediate follow-up required in the court's proceedings.

• Example 2: Return of a Legal Writ

  Historically, a sheriff might be issued a writ commanding them to bring a specific person before the court. The writ could specify that the individual must be "returned to the court crastino."

  Explanation: Here, crastino indicates that the sheriff was legally obligated to produce the person in court on the day immediately following the issuance or receipt of the writ, ensuring prompt execution of the court's order.

• Example 3: Adjournment of a Session

  Consider a historical legal assembly or parliament that began its session on a particular feast day. If they needed to reconvene for further deliberations, the clerk might record that the assembly would "adjourn until crastino."

  Explanation: This use of crastino means the assembly would resume its work on the day immediately following the initial session, highlighting the sequential nature of their meetings.