Legal Definitions - REG. JUD.

REG. JUD. stands for Registrum Judiciale.

This Latin term refers to a historical collection or register of judicial writs. In legal history, a writ was a formal written order issued by a court or other legal authority, often used to initiate a legal action or to command someone to do or refrain from doing something. The Registrum Judiciale served as a crucial reference, providing standardized forms for these writs, ensuring consistency and proper procedure in legal proceedings.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of Registrum Judiciale:

• Example 1: Drafting a Legal Claim in Medieval England

  Imagine a legal clerk in 14th-century England whose client wished to sue someone for failing to repay a debt. To properly initiate the lawsuit, the clerk would consult the Registrum Judiciale to find the exact, standardized wording for a "writ of debt." Using this official form ensured the claim was legally valid and would be accepted by the King's courts.

• Example 2: Studying the Evolution of Property Law

  A modern legal historian researching the development of land ownership disputes in the 13th century might examine surviving copies of the Registrum Judiciale. By analyzing the various forms of writs related to property (e.g., writs of novel disseisin or mort d'ancestor), the historian could understand the specific legal remedies available to landowners at that time and how property rights were enforced.

• Example 3: Ensuring Procedural Correctness in Historical Courts

  Consider a royal court official in the High Middle Ages responsible for issuing formal commands to sheriffs or other local authorities. Before issuing a writ instructing a sheriff to seize property or summon a jury, this official would refer to the Registrum Judiciale. This ensured that the writ's language, format, and legal basis were correct and consistent with established judicial practice, preventing procedural errors that could invalidate the court's order.