Legal Definitions - visus

Visus is a historical legal term that refers to a direct, personal inspection or viewing of a place, person, or thing relevant to a legal proceeding. It emphasizes the act of firsthand observation or examination, often conducted by a judge, jury, or other authorized official, to gather direct visual evidence rather than relying solely on descriptions or testimony.

• Example 1: Property Boundary Dispute

  Imagine a historical dispute between two landowners over the exact boundary line separating their properties. Instead of relying only on old maps or witness statements, a court might order a "visus" where the judge and jury would physically visit the contested land. They would walk the disputed lines, observe the terrain, and examine any existing markers firsthand.

  This example illustrates "visus" as a direct inspection of a place to gain a personal understanding of the physical facts relevant to the legal claim.

• Example 2: Assessment of a Physical Injury

  In a historical personal injury case where a plaintiff claimed significant physical harm, the court might have conducted a "visus." This would involve the jury or a magistrate directly observing the plaintiff's visible injuries, such as a severe scar, a missing limb, or a debilitating physical condition, to personally assess the extent and nature of the damage.

  Here, "visus" signifies a direct inspection of a person (specifically, their physical state or injury) to gather immediate visual evidence.

• Example 3: Examination of Contraband or Evidence

  Consider a historical criminal trial where the prosecution alleged that a unique, custom-made weapon was used in a crime. A "visus" would occur if the jury or the presiding judge personally examined the actual weapon presented as evidence. They would handle it, observe its craftsmanship, and note any distinguishing features, rather than simply hearing a description from a witness.

  This demonstrates "visus" as a direct inspection of a thing (a piece of physical evidence) to form a firsthand impression of its characteristics.