Legal Definitions - notitia

The term notitia (pronounced noh-TISH-ee-uh) comes from Latin and generally refers to knowledge, information, or a formal list.

• Meaning 1: Knowledge, Awareness, or Formal Communication

  In this sense, notitia refers to having awareness or understanding of a fact, situation, or rule, or the act of formally informing someone. It implies that information has been conveyed or is reasonably accessible.

  • Example 1: A city council publishes new regulations regarding noise levels in residential areas. Property owners are generally presumed to have notitia of these ordinances once they have been officially enacted and made publicly available, even if they did not personally read the specific announcement. This means they are expected to be aware of the rules.

    Explanation: Here, notitia refers to the presumed knowledge or awareness that citizens are expected to have regarding local laws after they have been formally communicated to the public.

  • Example 2: A construction company sends a written change order to a subcontractor, detailing modifications to the original project scope. The subcontractor receives this formal communication, thereby gaining notitia of the revised requirements.

    Explanation: In this context, notitia signifies the formal act of providing information or notice, ensuring the subcontractor is officially aware of the changes.

• Meaning 2: A Formal List, Register, or Catalogue

  Historically, notitia could also refer to a compiled record, roster, or inventory of items, offices, or entities.

  • Example: During a historical study of medieval land ownership, researchers might consult a preserved document that serves as a notitia, detailing all the feudal estates and their respective lords within a particular duchy during a specific century.

    Explanation: Here, notitia describes a historical document that functions as a comprehensive list or register of landholdings and their associated owners, providing a structured record of information.