Legal Definitions - infidelitas

infidelitas

Historically, infidelitas referred to a breach of loyalty or faithlessness, particularly in the context of feudal relationships. It described a failure to uphold one's sworn duties or obligations to a lord or sovereign, falling short of outright treason or rebellion, but still representing a significant lapse in fidelity.

• Example 1: Imagine a knight who has sworn an oath of fealty to his baron, promising loyalty and service. If this knight consistently fails to attend the baron's court when summoned, or openly voices dissent and criticism of the baron's rule among other vassals, he might be accused of infidelitas.

  Explanation: This illustrates infidelitas because the knight is not fully upholding the respectful and obedient conduct expected under his feudal oath. While not an act of war or direct betrayal, his actions demonstrate a lack of faithful adherence to his sworn duties and undermine his lord's authority.

• Example 2: Consider a powerful vassal who holds significant lands from a count. During a period of minor regional conflict, the vassal delays sending the full contingent of soldiers he promised to the count's banner, or he secretly allows his merchants to trade prohibited goods with a rival lord's territory, against the count's explicit instructions.

  Explanation: This scenario exemplifies infidelitas because the vassal is showing faithlessness by not fully meeting his military obligations and by engaging in actions that subtly undermine his lord's strategic and economic interests. These actions represent a breach of his sworn loyalty, even if they do not constitute a full-scale rebellion or treasonous act.