Legal Definitions - solutus

Solutus is a legal term, primarily originating from Roman and Scots law, used to describe a state of being *set free*, *released from an obligation*, or *purged* (cleared).

It signifies that an individual or entity is no longer bound by a previous duty, restriction, or accusation.

• Example 1: Release from Financial Obligation

  Imagine a small business owner who took out a loan to expand their operations. After several years of diligent payments, they successfully repay the entire principal and interest.

  In this scenario, the business owner is considered solutus from the loan agreement, meaning they are completely released from their financial obligation to the lender.

• Example 2: Freedom from Confinement

  Consider a person who was held in a detention facility while awaiting trial. If the court later finds them not guilty, or if the charges are dropped, they are immediately released.

  This individual is then solutus, having been set free from their confinement and no longer subject to the physical restrictions of detention.

• Example 3: Professional Clearance (Scots Law Context)

  In a professional context, particularly in Scots law, consider a barrister (counsel) who was temporarily suspended from practice due to an administrative oversight in their licensing. Once the oversight is corrected and verified by the regulatory body, their suspension is lifted.

  The counsel is then considered solutus, meaning their professional standing has been purged or cleared, allowing them to resume their practice without impediment.