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Simple English definitions for legal terms
decies tantum
Read a random definition: willful, continued, and obstinate desertion
A quick definition of decies tantum:
Term: decies tantum
Definition: Decies tantum is a legal term that means "ten times as much." It was a writ used in the past to punish jurors who accepted bribes for their verdict. The writ ordered the juror to pay ten times the amount of the bribe, with half going to the person who sued and half to the Crown. Anyone could sue for this action, and the embracers who procured such inquests were also punished. However, no justice could inquire about it ex officio, but only at the suit of the party.
A more thorough explanation:
Decies tantum is a legal term that means "ten times as much." It refers to a writ that was used in the past to punish jurors who accepted bribes for a verdict.
For example, if a juror accepted a bribe of $100, they would have to pay $1000 under decies tantum. Half of this amount would go to the party that sued the juror, and the other half would go to the Crown.
This writ was used to discourage jurors from accepting bribes and to ensure that justice was served fairly. It was also used to punish those who procured such inquests.