Legal Definitions - primae preces

Primae preces is a Latin term meaning "first prayers" or "first requests." In a legal and historical context, particularly within ecclesiastical law, it refers to a special right or privilege held by a sovereign or high authority to make an initial nomination or petition for an office or position. This "first request" would take precedence and be considered before any other ordinary nominations or petitions, effectively giving the authority the first choice or a preferential right to appoint.

• Example 1: Historical Royal Appointment

  Imagine a kingdom in the 16th century where a high-ranking church position, such as a bishopric, becomes vacant. Normally, the local church chapter or a specific noble family might have the right to propose a candidate. However, the King, exercising his right of primae preces, sends a formal letter to the diocese nominating his preferred candidate for the position. Because of this historical royal prerogative, the King's nomination must be considered first and often takes precedence over any other candidates put forward by the usual patrons, ensuring his choice is given primary consideration.

• Example 2: Traditional University Patronage

  Consider a fictional historical university that was founded centuries ago by a powerful noble family. As part of their original endowment agreement, the family retained the right of primae preces for filling one specific, prestigious academic chair. When that chair becomes vacant, the family's designated representative has the exclusive right to make the *first* formal recommendation for a new professor. The university's hiring committee is then obligated to give this initial recommendation primary consideration before opening the search more broadly or considering other candidates, honoring the founding family's traditional privilege.

• Example 3: Sovereign's Ceremonial Nomination

  In a modern constitutional monarchy with deep historical roots, there might be certain ceremonial or honorary positions within the state that are filled through a traditional process. While a committee might typically review applications, the reigning monarch retains a symbolic right of primae preces for one such position each year. This means the monarch can make one direct, initial recommendation for a recipient, and this candidate receives preferential consideration before the general pool of applicants is reviewed by the selection committee, reflecting the monarch's historical role and influence.