Define: Legit Vel Non

Legit vel non, a Latin phrase used in Ecclesiastical law, poses the question “Does he read or not?” This inquiry was directed by a secular court to an ecclesiastical official in cases where an accused individual claimed exemption from the court’s jurisdiction based on benefit of clergy. If the official determined that the accused was indeed entitled to exemption, the response would be “legit ut clericus,” meaning “he reads like a clerk.” Benefit of clergy was a privilege that allowed clerics to avoid trial for a felony in the King’s Court. Although it was abolished in England in 1827, it persisted for a longer period in certain American states. It is important to note that the phrase “benefit of clergy” also has a separate meaning, referring to religious approval as solemnized by church ritual.

Legit vel non? (lee-jit vel non) is a Latin phrase employed in Ecclesiastical law to inquire about a person’s eligibility for exemption from a secular court’s jurisdiction by virtue of being a member of the clergy. For instance, if an accused individual claimed exemption based on their clergy status, the court would ask the ecclesiastical official, “Legit vel non?” to ascertain their entitlement. This question aimed to determine if the accused qualified for the benefit of clergy, a privilege granted to clergy members during medieval times. If the ecclesiastical official confirmed their eligibility, they would respond with “legit ut clericus,” meaning “he reads like a clerk.” This indicated that the accused was considered a member of the clergy and could only be tried in an ecclesiastical court. The benefit of clergy allowed clergy members to avoid trial for a felony in the King’s Court. In medieval times, reciting the “neck verse,” a specific passage from the Bible, granted this privilege. However, the benefit of clergy was abolished in England in 1827 and in the United States during the 19th century.

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This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.