Legal Definitions - levis

The term levis, originating from Latin, describes something that is considered light, insignificant, or trifling in nature. In historical legal contexts, it referred to matters, offenses, or burdens that carried little weight, importance, or consequence.

• Example 1: Minor Offense

  Imagine a medieval village where local ordinances were strictly enforced. If a young apprentice was caught taking a single apple from an orchard without permission, a village elder acting as a magistrate might classify this as a levis offense. This designation would mean it was a minor transgression, likely resulting in a small fine or a warning rather than a severe punishment like public flogging or imprisonment, which would be reserved for more serious crimes.

  This example illustrates levis because the act of taking a single apple is considered a "light" or "trifling" offense compared to more significant crimes, thus warranting a minor consequence.

• Example 2: Insubstantial Legal Claim

  Consider a historical land dispute where two noble families presented their claims to a particular parcel of territory. If one family's evidence consisted solely of a vague oral tradition passed down through generations, without any supporting charters, deeds, or witness testimonies, a royal court might deem their claim to be levis. This would signify that the claim lacked substantial legal weight or credible proof, making it easily dismissed in favor of the opposing party who presented robust documentation.

  Here, levis highlights that the claim was "light" or "trifling" in terms of its evidentiary support and legal merit, making it easily disregarded by the court.

• Example 3: Trivial Burden or Obligation

  In a historical feudal system, peasants often owed various duties and services to their lord. A lord might impose a levis burden on a particular serf, such as requiring them to spend one afternoon a month sweeping the stable yard. This obligation would be considered minor and easily fulfilled when compared to more demanding duties like extensive agricultural labor, military service, or significant financial payments. The serf would perceive this as a "light" duty, not a heavy imposition.

  This scenario demonstrates levis by describing a duty that is "light" or "trifling" in its demand on time and effort, contrasting with more substantial obligations.