Simple English definitions for legal terms
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De nativo habendo: A legal term from history that means a writ used to order a sheriff to catch and return a runaway serf to their lord. The trial would then determine if the lord truly owned the serf.
Definition: De nativo habendo was a legal writ used in medieval times to order a sheriff to capture and return a runaway serf to their lord. The writ was used to determine the ownership status of the serf.
These examples show how de nativo habendo was used to maintain the feudal system in medieval times. Serfs were considered property of their lords and had no right to leave without permission. The writ was used to enforce this system and ensure that serfs remained under the control of their lords.