Legal Definitions - de minis

The term you've provided, "de minis," appears to be a misspelling or a less common variant of a historical legal concept. The Latin phrase "of threats" points to de minas (pronounced dee MEE-nahs), which was a type of legal order. Another similar-sounding term, de minimis, refers to trivial matters, which is a different legal concept entirely.

For the purpose of this explanation, we will define De Minas, as it aligns with the "of threats" meaning and the description of a writ to keep the peace.

De Minas

Historically, a de minas was a legal order, or "writ," issued by a court. Its purpose was to compel an individual who had made threats of bodily harm or property destruction against another person to keep the peace. Essentially, it was a formal command to stop making threats and to refrain from any actions that would cause harm or damage.

• Example 1: Neighborly Dispute

  Imagine two neighbors in a historical village, Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones, are feuding over a shared fence line. Mr. Smith, in a fit of anger, repeatedly tells Mr. Jones that he will "tear down that new garden shed" Mr. Jones just built, and "make sure his prize-winning roses never bloom again." Fearing actual damage to his property, Mr. Jones could have historically petitioned the local magistrate for a de minas writ against Mr. Smith. This writ would legally obligate Mr. Smith to cease his threats and ensure he did not act on them, thereby preserving the peace between the neighbors.

• Example 2: Business Rivalry

  Consider two competing merchants in a bustling marketplace centuries ago. One merchant, envious of the other's success, publicly threatens to "ruin his reputation and burn down his stall" if he doesn't leave town. The threatened merchant, concerned for his livelihood and safety, could have sought a de minas writ. If granted, this writ would legally bind the threatening merchant to stop making such menacing statements and prevent any actual harm to the competitor's business or person.

• Example 3: Community Safety

  In a small, historical community, a particularly volatile individual, known for their temper, frequently made public threats of physical violence against various villagers, promising to "teach them a lesson" or "break their bones" over minor disagreements. Concerned for the general safety and order, a group of villagers could have collectively presented evidence of these threats to a local court. The court might then issue a de minas writ against the threatening individual, legally compelling them to maintain the peace and refrain from any further threats or acts of violence against community members.