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Simple English definitions for legal terms
cum fossa et furca
Read a random definition: Local government - State statutes
A quick definition of cum fossa et furca:
Term: CUM FOSSA ET FURCA
Definition: In the past, when people wrote important documents, they sometimes used a special language called Law Latin. This phrase means "with pit and gallows." It was used in old papers to give important people the power to judge and punish people who did very bad things.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Cum fossa et furca (pronounced kuhm faw-suh et fur-kuh) is a Latin phrase used in ancient charters to grant Baron courts the right to try capital offenses and to inflict capital punishment. The phrase means "with pit and gallows."
Example: If a Baron court was granted the power of cum fossa et furca, they could try and punish someone for a crime that was punishable by death. This could include crimes like murder, treason, or other serious offenses.
Explanation: The phrase cum fossa et furca was used to give Baron courts the power to enforce the law and punish those who committed serious crimes. The "pit" referred to a hole in the ground where the convicted person would be buried, and the "gallows" referred to a structure used for hanging the convicted person. This phrase was important because it allowed Baron courts to maintain order and keep people safe from dangerous criminals.