Legal Definitions - perturbatrix

The term perturbatrix is a historical legal term that refers to a woman who disturbs the peace or causes a public disturbance.

It describes actions by a woman that disrupt public order, interfere with the general tranquility of a community, or create a significant commotion.

Here are some examples illustrating this term:

• Example 1: In a bustling 19th-century town square, a woman stands on a crate, loudly haranguing passersby with aggressive and inflammatory speeches, causing a large crowd to gather, blocking traffic, and disrupting the normal flow of commerce. Local constables are called to disperse the crowd and address her actions.

  Explanation: Her public and disruptive behavior, which draws a crowd and impedes public activity, would historically be considered an act of disturbing the peace, making her a "perturbatrix."

• Example 2: During a solemn public ceremony, a woman repeatedly shouts insults at the speakers, throws small objects onto the stage, and incites a portion of the audience to join her in creating a chaotic scene, forcing the event to be prematurely concluded.

  Explanation: Her deliberate and persistent actions to disrupt an organized public gathering, leading to its breakdown, clearly illustrate the concept of a "perturbatrix" disturbing the peace of the event.

• Example 3: A woman living in a quiet residential neighborhood frequently hosts extremely loud parties late into the night, with music blaring and guests shouting, despite repeated requests from neighbors and local authorities to reduce the noise. Her actions consistently prevent her neighbors from sleeping and enjoying the peace of their homes.

  Explanation: Although originating from a private residence, the persistent and excessive nature of her noise disturbance impacts the peace and quiet of the surrounding community, fitting the historical understanding of a "perturbatrix" who disturbs the public peace.