Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: dei judicium
Definition: Dei judicium is a Latin term that means "God's judgment." It refers to a type of trial called an ordeal, where a person would undergo a test or challenge to prove their innocence or guilt. This was believed to be a way for God to reveal the truth and determine the outcome of the trial.
Example: In medieval times, a person accused of a crime might be asked to undergo an ordeal such as walking on hot coals or holding a red-hot iron. If they were unharmed, it was believed that God had judged them innocent. If they were injured, it was seen as a sign of guilt.
Dei Judicium
Dei Judicium is a Latin term that means "God's judgment." It refers to a type of trial called an ordeal, where a person's guilt or innocence is determined by a test that is believed to be controlled by God.
One example of Dei Judicium is the trial by fire. In this ordeal, the accused would have to hold a red-hot iron or walk barefoot over burning coals. If their wounds healed quickly, it was believed that God had intervened and declared them innocent. If they did not heal, they were considered guilty.
Another example is the trial by water. In this ordeal, the accused would be thrown into a body of water. If they floated, it was believed that God had declared them guilty, and they would be punished. If they sank, they were considered innocent, and their punishment would be avoided.
These examples illustrate how Dei Judicium was used in medieval times as a way to determine guilt or innocence. It was believed that God would intervene and reveal the truth through these tests, and the outcome was seen as a divine judgment.