Legal Definitions - elaboratus

Elaboratus is a historical legal term referring to property or assets that an individual acquired through their own personal labor, effort, or skill.

Historically, this concept was used to distinguish property that someone earned through their own work from property that was inherited, received as a gift, or acquired through other means not involving direct personal effort.

• Example 1: The Artisan's Creation

  Imagine a master potter who spends weeks meticulously shaping, firing, and glazing a unique collection of ceramic vases. These vases are then sold in a gallery.

  The collection of vases would be considered elaboratus because their existence, form, and value are directly attributable to the potter's skilled labor, artistic vision, and dedicated time spent crafting them.

• Example 2: The Farmer's Harvest

  Consider a farmer who cultivates a field, plowing the soil, planting seeds, irrigating the crops, and protecting them from pests over several months, eventually yielding a bountiful harvest of corn.

  The harvested corn represents elaboratus because it is property that came into being and gained its economic value specifically through the farmer's physical labor, agricultural expertise, and consistent care of the land.

• Example 3: The Builder's Structure

  A construction worker spends months building a custom wooden deck for a client's home, cutting lumber, assembling components, and ensuring structural integrity.

  The completed deck is an example of elaboratus from the perspective of the worker's contribution, as it is a tangible improvement and asset created directly by their physical labor, craftsmanship, and technical skill.