Legal Definitions - vice-comes

Vice-comes is a historical Latin term that held two distinct primary meanings in medieval legal and administrative systems, particularly within England.

• 1. Viscount (Noble Title)

  In one context, vice-comes referred to a noble title, specifically a Viscount. This rank in the peerage typically sat below an Earl and above a Baron. Individuals holding this title often had significant administrative responsibilities over a specific territory, acting as a direct representative of the monarch in local governance.

  • Example: Imagine a historical drama set in 13th-century England. Lord Alaric, a trusted nobleman, is granted the title of vice-comes by the King. This not only elevates his social standing but also entrusts him with overseeing justice, collecting royal taxes, and maintaining order within a designated shire, making him a powerful figure in both the aristocracy and local administration.

    Explanation: This example illustrates vice-comes as a noble title (Viscount) that carried significant governmental and administrative duties, reflecting its dual role in the historical hierarchy.

• 2. Sheriff (Chief Royal Officer)

  More commonly in a legal and administrative sense, vice-comes referred to the Sheriff. This was the chief royal officer in a shire (county), responsible for enforcing the law, maintaining peace, executing royal decrees, and carrying out judicial orders (known as writs) issued by the King's courts. The sheriff was a crucial link between the central government and local communities.

  • Example 1: In a medieval court case concerning a land dispute, the royal judge would issue a writ commanding the vice-comes of the county to summon the parties involved and ensure the court's judgment was enforced. The sheriff would then be responsible for physically delivering the summons, seizing property if ordered, or even arresting individuals as directed by the court.

    Explanation: This demonstrates the vice-comes in their role as a sheriff, directly involved in the practical execution of justice and enforcement of court orders within their jurisdiction.

  • Example 2 (Related Phrase: VICECOMES NON MISIT BREVE): Consider a legal record from the 15th century where a case was repeatedly adjourned. If the court's records noted "vicecomes non misit breve," it indicated that the sheriff had failed to return a specific judicial writ (a formal command or order) to the court. This entry would signify a delay in the legal proceedings because the sheriff had not yet confirmed the execution or delivery of the court's instruction.

    Explanation: This example highlights the sheriff's critical responsibility in the legal process, specifically their duty to execute and return writs to the court, and how their failure to do so would be formally recorded.