Legal Definitions - spreta inhibitione

Spreta inhibitione is a historical legal Latin term that literally translates to "in contempt of an inhibition." It describes a situation where an individual deliberately defied or disregarded a formal legal prohibition or order issued by a court or other authorized body.

An "inhibition" in this context refers to a specific command or injunction preventing someone from taking a particular action. To act "spreta inhibitione" meant to intentionally violate such an order, thereby showing disrespect for the authority that issued it.

• Example 1: Land Dispute and Construction

  Imagine a medieval lord, Lord Blackwood, who was formally ordered by the King's court not to construct a new mill on a piece of land whose ownership was currently under dispute with a neighboring baron. Despite this clear "inhibition," Lord Blackwood proceeded to build the mill, asserting his claim through action.

  Explanation: Lord Blackwood's act of building the mill, despite the explicit court order prohibiting it, would be considered "spreta inhibitione." He deliberately defied the court's command, acting in contempt of the inhibition.

• Example 2: Ecclesiastical Law and Commerce

  In the 16th century, a local church court issued an "inhibition" preventing a particular merchant, Mr. Davies, from selling certain goods on Sundays, as it was deemed to violate local religious ordinances. However, Mr. Davies, prioritizing profit, continued to open his stall and sell his wares on subsequent Sundays, ignoring the church court's decree.

  Explanation: Mr. Davies's continued Sunday trading, in direct defiance of the church court's formal prohibition, illustrates "spreta inhibitione." He acted in contempt of the inhibition by disregarding the ecclesiastical order.

• Example 3: Royal Decree and Public Health

  During a period of plague, a royal council issued an "inhibition" forbidding all travel between two specific towns to prevent the spread of disease. A wealthy merchant, Lady Eleanor, needing to transport her goods quickly, chose to ignore this decree and traveled with her caravan between the prohibited towns.

  Explanation: Lady Eleanor's decision to travel between the restricted towns, despite the clear royal "inhibition" against such movement, demonstrates "spreta inhibitione." She deliberately disregarded the official order, showing contempt for the royal decree.