Legal Definitions - damnatus

The term damnatus originates from Latin and is primarily encountered in historical legal discussions. It generally refers to one of two concepts:

• A person who has been condemned: This often applied to individuals found guilty of serious offenses, particularly those facing severe penalties.
• Something prohibited or unlawful: This refers to an act, object, or practice that is forbidden by law or decree.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of damnatus:

• Example 1 (Condemned Person): In a fictional ancient republic, a senator accused of conspiring against the state was tried and, upon conviction, declared damnatus, signifying his formal condemnation and the imposition of a severe penalty, such as exile or forfeiture of property.

  Explanation: Here, damnatus clearly identifies the senator as an individual who has been legally judged and condemned for a serious crime, aligning with the first meaning of the term.

• Example 2 (Unlawful Act/Object): During a period of widespread famine in a historical kingdom, the monarch issued a decree making the hoarding of grain a damnatus act, meaning it was strictly prohibited by law and subject to immediate confiscation and punishment.

  Explanation: In this context, damnatus describes the act of hoarding grain itself as unlawful and forbidden by official decree, illustrating the second meaning of the term.