Define: Manu Brevi

The Latin phrase “Manu brevi” translates to “with a short hand.” In Roman and civil law, it denotes the act of carrying out something directly and swiftly, bypassing the legal process or obtaining permission. For instance, in Scotland, a landlord could seize a tenant’s possessions to cover unpaid rent without involving the court. In Roman law, it pertained to the transfer of ownership of an item already in the buyer’s possession, such as a loan or pledge.

Manu brevi, a Latin term meaning “with a short hand,” is used in Roman and civil law to refer to the direct action or transfer of ownership without legal warrant. For example, in Roman law, traditio brevi manu referred to the transfer of ownership of an item to someone who already had physical control of it. Another concept, constitutum possessorium, allowed for the transfer of ownership to someone not in physical possession but entitled to the item. In Scotland, manu brevi was used to describe the performance of an act without legal intervention, such as a landlord seizing a tenant’s belongings for non-payment of rent. These examples demonstrate how manu brevi can be used to transfer ownership or perform an action without the need for legal intervention or a formal process.

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