Legal Definitions - dominus omnium bonorum

Dominus omnium bonorum is a historical Latin legal phrase that translates to "proprietor of all movable goods." Historically, this term described the legal status of a husband who, under certain legal systems, was considered the owner of all personal property (also known as movable goods) belonging to both himself and his wife. This included property the wife brought into the marriage or acquired during it, reflecting a time when married women had limited independent legal capacity to own property.

Here are some examples illustrating this historical concept:

• Example 1: Inherited and Acquired Property in the 18th Century
  Imagine a couple, John and Mary, marrying in England in the late 1700s. John is a farmer who owns livestock, tools, and household furniture. Mary, from a merchant family, brings a dowry that includes fine linens, silver cutlery, and a small sum of money. Under the principle of dominus omnium bonorum, all the linens, silver, and money Mary brought into the marriage, along with John's existing movable property, would legally be considered John's. Mary would not have independent legal ownership of these items, even if they originated from her family.

• Example 2: Goods Acquired During Marriage
  Consider Thomas, a craftsman, and his wife Eleanor, living in the 19th century. Eleanor is skilled in embroidery and creates intricate tapestries, which they sell. With the income earned from Eleanor's work, they purchase new household furnishings and a carriage. Even though Eleanor's labor contributed directly to the income and the acquisition of these items, the legal concept of dominus omnium bonorum would mean that Thomas, as the husband, was the legal proprietor of the tapestries, the income from their sale, and all the new furnishings and the carriage. Eleanor would not hold separate legal title to these assets.

• Example 3: Personal Gifts to the Wife
  Suppose Catherine, a married woman, receives a valuable collection of antique books and a set of diamond earrings as a personal gift from her wealthy aunt during her marriage to Robert. Despite these gifts being specifically intended for Catherine, under the historical application of dominus omnium bonorum, these movable assets would legally fall under Robert's ownership as her husband. Catherine would not have separate legal title to them, and Robert would have the legal right to manage or dispose of them.