Legal Definitions - O.N.B.

O.N.B. stands for OLD NATURA BREVIUM.

This term refers to a historically significant legal treatise or collection from medieval England. Essentially, the Old Natura Brevium was a comprehensive guide that cataloged and explained the various types of "writs" available in the English common law system of its time. Writs were formal written commands issued by the King or a court, and they were absolutely essential for initiating almost any legal action. The "Old" in its title distinguishes it from later, updated versions or similar works.

For centuries, the Old Natura Brevium served as a foundational resource for legal professionals, helping them understand which specific writ was appropriate for a particular legal grievance and how to draft it correctly according to the rigid procedural requirements of the era.

• Example 1: Legal Historian's Research

  A legal historian researching the evolution of property law in 14th-century England might consult the Old Natura Brevium to understand the specific writs that were used to claim land, resolve disputes over feudal tenures, or establish rights of way. By examining the detailed descriptions of these writs, the historian gains insight into the practical legal mechanisms available to individuals seeking justice for property-related issues during that period.

  This example illustrates how the O.N.B. serves as a primary source for understanding the historical application of specific legal instruments (writs) in a particular area of law.

• Example 2: Modern Lawyer Interpreting Ancient Documents

  A modern lawyer working on a complex land dispute that involves very old property deeds and historical easements might encounter references to specific types of writs that were once used to establish or challenge rights centuries ago. To accurately interpret the historical context and legal effect of these ancient documents, the lawyer might refer to the Old Natura Brevium to understand the precise nature and scope of those historical writs.

  This example demonstrates how the O.N.B. can be a valuable resource for contemporary legal professionals needing to decipher the historical foundations of current legal concepts, especially when dealing with ancient legal instruments.

• Example 3: Academic Study of Legal Procedure

  A law student or academic specializing in the development of common law procedure might study the Old Natura Brevium to grasp how legal actions were initiated and structured before modern procedural rules were established. It provides a detailed look at the rigid, form-based nature of early English litigation, where choosing the wrong writ could lead to the dismissal of a case, highlighting the critical importance of procedural correctness in that era.

  This example highlights the O.N.B.'s role as an educational tool for understanding the historical evolution of legal procedure and the foundational importance of specific forms (writs) in early common law.