Legal Definitions - labina

The term labina is an archaic legal term that refers to land naturally covered by water or characterized as swampland.

In historical legal documents, particularly those dealing with property boundaries, land grants, or surveys, labina would be used to describe areas that were perpetually submerged, marshy, or boggy, and therefore often considered less suitable for agriculture, construction, or immediate development.

• Example 1: Historical Property Deed

  Imagine a property deed from the 17th century describing the boundaries of a large estate. One section of the deed might refer to "the labina bordering the eastern creek," indicating a perpetually waterlogged or marshy area adjacent to the creek that was not considered suitable for cultivation or immediate development. This use of labina clarifies that a specific portion of the property was swampland or regularly submerged.

• Example 2: Colonial Land Grant

  Consider a colonial-era land grant issued by a monarch to a settler. The grant might specify a vast territory, but carve out certain sections described as "labina along the major river delta." This would signify areas that were known to be extensive swamps or floodplains, perhaps deemed less valuable or more challenging to develop at the time, and thus treated differently in the grant's terms compared to dry, arable land.

• Example 3: Old Survey Report

  In an old survey document from the 18th century, a surveyor tasked with mapping out potential settlement areas might delineate regions of "labina" to distinguish them from dry, arable land. For instance, a report might note that "the western tract consists largely of labina, unsuitable for immediate habitation due to constant inundation." This clearly identifies the land as consistently covered by water or marsh, impacting its perceived utility and value.