Legal Definitions - indutiae

Indutiae is a Latin term used in historical and specialized legal contexts, generally referring to a temporary pause or delay.

• Cessation of Hostilities or Truce: In ancient Roman and international law, indutiae referred to a temporary halt in fighting or a truce between opposing forces.

  • Example: During a prolonged conflict between two ancient city-states, their military commanders might declare an indutiae for a specific period, perhaps to allow for the burial of the dead or to conduct preliminary peace negotiations without active combat.

    Explanation: This illustrates indutiae as a mutually agreed-upon, temporary suspension of warfare, creating a window for non-military activities.

• Delay for Legal Obligation or Business: In Roman and civil law systems, indutiae could signify a granted extension of time to fulfill a legal requirement or to complete a legal process.

  • Example: A Roman citizen was legally obligated to appear in court on a certain date. However, due to a sudden illness, they successfully petitioned the magistrate for an indutiae, granting them an additional week to recover and attend the hearing.

    Explanation: Here, indutiae represents a permissible delay granted by a legal authority for an individual to meet a procedural obligation.

• Maritime Law - Bottomry Bond Period: In maritime law, specifically concerning a "bottomry bond" (a loan secured by the ship itself or its cargo), indutiae refers to a specific 20-day period. This time allows the ship's owner (the debtor) to unload the cargo and repay the bond before the lender can take possession of the ship.

  • Example: A ship carrying valuable spices arrived in port, having been financed by a bottomry bond. The ship's owner was automatically granted an indutiae of 20 days upon arrival to sell the spices, generate funds, and pay back the bondholder before the lender could claim the vessel.

    Explanation: This demonstrates indutiae as a fixed grace period in maritime commerce, allowing the debtor to fulfill their financial obligation after the ship reaches its destination.