Legal Definitions - defendere unica manu

The Latin term defendere unica manu, meaning "to defend with one hand," refers to a historical legal practice where an accused individual would formally deny an accusation by taking an oath of innocence. This was a solemn declaration made under oath, often without the immediate need for additional evidence, witnesses, or a complex trial process. It represented a direct, personal denial of wrongdoing.

• Example 1: Imagine a medieval village where a miller is accused by a local lord of short-changing his customers. Instead of a lengthy investigation or calling multiple witnesses, the miller might be brought before the lord and asked to swear a solemn oath on a holy book that he has always measured grain fairly. This act of a direct, sworn denial of the accusation, relying solely on his oath, would be an instance of defendere unica manu.

• Example 2: In an early common law court, if a merchant was accused of failing to repay a small debt, they might be given the opportunity to clear their name by taking an oath before the court, swearing that the debt had either been paid or was never owed. This personal, sworn declaration, made without presenting ledgers or calling witnesses at that initial stage, exemplifies defendere unica manu.

• Example 3: Consider a historical ecclesiastical (church) court dealing with a minor moral transgression, such as a parishioner accused of gossiping or failing to observe a religious holiday properly. The accused might be allowed to stand before the church authorities and take an oath denying the accusation, thereby clearing their name through this direct, sworn statement. This act of a solitary, sworn denial would be a clear demonstration of defendere unica manu.