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Simple English definitions for legal terms
in mortua manu
Read a random definition: Usus Feudorum
A quick definition of in mortua manu:
In mortua manu: This is a legal term that means property is controlled according to the directions of someone who has died. It is often used to describe land held by a religious group, which can hold onto it forever without having to do anything in return. This is because they don't have to provide any feudal service. Another term for this is "in manu mortua."
A more thorough explanation:
Term: in mortua manuDefinition: In mortua manu means "in a dead hand" in Law Latin. It refers to property that is controlled according to the directions of a deceased person. This type of property is held perpetually, which means it can't be sold or transferred to someone else. For example, land held by a religious society is described as in mortua manu because the church can hold the property forever without having to provide feudal service. This term is also known as in manu mortua.
Examples: A wealthy man leaves his estate to his children, but with the condition that they can't sell the property and must keep it in the family forever. This is an example of property held in mortua manu because the deceased person's directions control the property perpetually. Another example is a trust fund set up by a person before their death, with specific instructions on how the money should be used. The trust fund is in mortua manu because the deceased person's directions control the money perpetually.