Legal Definitions - si deprehendatur

si deprehendatur is a Latin phrase that translates to "if captured." Historically, this term appeared in legal documents, treaties, or statutes to specify conditions or consequences that would apply *upon the capture* of a person or, less commonly, an object. It signifies a contingency, meaning that a particular action or outcome would only occur *if* the act of capture took place.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of si deprehendatur:

• Imagine a medieval peace treaty between two warring kingdoms. A clause might state: "Any soldier of the opposing realm, si deprehendatur within our borders, shall be held for ransom until the cessation of hostilities."

  This example demonstrates si deprehendatur by establishing a specific consequence (being held for ransom) that only comes into effect *if* a soldier is captured within the defined territory.

• Consider an old royal decree concerning individuals who had committed treason. The decree might stipulate: "Should a traitor flee the kingdom, si deprehendatur, all their lands and titles shall be immediately forfeited to the Crown."

  Here, si deprehendatur clearly defines the condition under which the forfeiture of lands and titles would occur – specifically, *if* the traitor is captured after fleeing.

• In a historical context involving maritime law, a regulation might state: "Any vessel found engaging in piracy, si deprehendatur by the King's navy, shall have its cargo confiscated and its crew brought to trial."

  This illustrates si deprehendatur by linking the severe consequences of cargo confiscation and trial directly to the event *if* a pirate vessel is captured by the royal fleet.