Legal Definitions - non terminus

Non terminus is a historical legal term that refers to the period of time when courts were not actively in session. Specifically, it describes the break or vacation that occurred between two scheduled court terms. During a non terminus, formal court proceedings, trials, and hearings would typically pause, allowing for a period of rest or administrative work before the next term began.

• Example 1: Imagine a High Court judge in 18th-century England. After concluding a demanding "Trinity Term" (a specific court session), the judge would look forward to the non terminus period. This break, before the "Michaelmas Term" began, allowed the judge to travel to their country estate, attend to personal matters, and prepare mentally for the next round of cases without the pressure of daily courtroom duties.

  Explanation: This illustrates non terminus as the specific vacation period between two defined court terms, during which judicial activity paused.

• Example 2: Consider a barrister in London during the Victorian era. Following the intense "Hilary Term," where they argued several complex cases, the barrister would use the non terminus to review case files, draft legal opinions, and strategize for upcoming trials scheduled for the "Easter Term." While still working, this period was distinct from the active, in-session court time.

  Explanation: This shows non terminus as the interval between active court terms, used by legal professionals for preparation and administrative tasks, rather than active litigation.

• Example 3: In a medieval English shire court, the non terminus between the spring and summer assizes (periodic court sessions) was crucial for the court clerks. During this time, they would meticulously organize and transcribe records from the previous session, prepare dockets for the upcoming one, and ensure all necessary documents were in order, free from the immediate demands of a live court session.

  Explanation: This highlights non terminus as a distinct period of inactivity for formal court proceedings, allowing for essential administrative work to be completed before the next court term commenced.