Legal Definitions - exlegare

Exlegare

Historically, the verb exlegare referred to the act of declaring someone an outlaw, thereby removing them from the protection and benefits of the legal system. An individual who was "exlegated" lost all legal rights, including the right to own property, seek justice, or even be safe from harm, as they were considered to be outside the law's jurisdiction and protection.

Here are some examples illustrating this historical concept:

• Imagine a medieval peasant accused of a serious felony, such as murder, who flees their village and ignores all official summons to appear before the local court. After repeated failures to present themselves for trial, the court might formally declare this individual an outlaw.

  This illustrates exlegare because, once declared an outlaw, the peasant was "exlegated." They lost all legal standing; anyone could kill them without facing legal repercussions, and their property could be seized. They were literally outside the law's protection, with no recourse or rights.

• Consider a powerful noble in a historical kingdom who openly rebels against the reigning monarch, gathering an army and challenging royal authority. In response, the monarch might issue a decree declaring the rebellious noble and their key followers "outlaws."

  This demonstrates exlegare because such a decree effectively "exlegated" the noble. It stripped them of their titles, lands, and all legal rights, making them fair game for capture or execution without trial. By rebelling, they were deemed to have forfeited all legal protection and were placed outside the established legal framework.