The Abbreviatio Placitorum is a historical book that compiles legal arguments from ancient times. It was created by examining old court records and consolidating the significant aspects. Although it was produced many years ago, it was officially printed in 1811. There is some debate regarding its authorship, with some believing it was the work of a single individual while others argue it was a collaborative effort. Essentially, it serves as a historical reference for lawyers, akin to a history book in their field.
Abbreviatio Placitorum, a Latin term meaning “summary of the pleas,” refers to a compilation of abstracts of pleadings taken from the rolls of the Curia Regis, Parliament, and common-law courts during the 12th to 14th centuries. This compilation, attributed to Arthur Agarde and other keepers of the records, was created in the 17th century and printed in 1811. It is similar to the Year Books. An example of Abbreviatio Placitorum is a summary of the legal arguments presented in a court case. These summaries, derived from court records, aided lawyers and judges in understanding the legal issues involved in the case and preparing for future cases by providing successful legal arguments from the past. Abbreviatio Placitorum served as a valuable resource for legal professionals in the past and continues to be studied by legal scholars today as a historical record of the development of common law.
Abbreviatio Placitorum is a Latin term that translates to “Abbreviation of Pleas.” It refers to a legal practice in medieval England where court records were abbreviated or summarized for ease of reference.
No, Abbreviatio Placitorum is not relevant in modern legal systems. It was a practice specific to medieval England and has been replaced by more comprehensive and standardized methods of record-keeping.
During Abbreviatio Placitorum, court records were abbreviated using a system of symbols and shorthand. This allowed for the essential details of a case to be recorded in a condensed form, making it easier for legal professionals to refer to them.
One drawback of Abbreviatio Placitorum was that the abbreviated records often lacked sufficient detail, making it challenging to reconstruct the full context of a case. Additionally, the shorthand symbols used could be subject to interpretation, leading to potential confusion or misinterpretation.
Abbreviatio Placitorum expedited legal proceedings by allowing for quicker reference to past cases. It saved time for judges, lawyers, and clerks who could quickly review abbreviated records instead of going through lengthy and detailed transcripts.
Yes, there are some surviving examples of Abbreviatio Placitorum records from medieval England. These records provide valuable insights into the legal practices and cases of that time.
While Abbreviatio Placitorum itself is not directly influential in modern legal practices, it did contribute to the development of legal shorthand and the need for concise and standardized record-keeping.
Clerks or scribes were responsible for performing Abbreviatio Placitorum. They were trained in shorthand and had the expertise to accurately summarize court proceedings.
Abbreviatio Placitorum made legal records more accessible by condensing them into a more manageable format. This allowed for easier storage, retrieval, and reference to past cases.
Abbreviatio Placitorum gradually fell out of practice in the late medieval period as more comprehensive methods of record-keeping emerged. By the 16th century, it had become obsolete.
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This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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