Legal Definitions - assisa mortis d'ancestoris

Definition: Assisa mortis d'ancestoris is a legal term that refers to the assize of mort d'ancestor. It is a court proceeding for the recovery of land that belonged to the claimant's ancestor.

Example: If a person's ancestor owned a piece of land, but it was taken away from them, the person can use the assisa mortis d'ancestoris to recover the land. This legal action was abolished in the early 19th century.

This legal term is part of the broader term "assize," which refers to a session of a court or council. An assize can also be a law enacted by such a body, a court that hears cases involving that procedure, or a jury's finding.

Example: The Grand Assize is a sworn panel summoned by judicial writ to resolve disputes concerning real property. It was instituted by Henry II in the 12th century as an alternative to trial by battle. The petite assize, on the other hand, is a jury convened to decide questions of possession.

Overall, assize is a legal term that refers to various court proceedings, laws, and juries. It is important to understand the different types of assizes to navigate the legal system effectively.