Legal Definitions - benevolentia regis habenda

BENEVOLENTIA REGIS HABENDA

BENEVOLENTIA REGIS HABENDA is a Latin term that means "the king's benevolence to be had." In history, it refers to a fine that was paid to receive the king's pardon and a restoration of place, title, or estate.

An example of BENEVOLENTIA REGIS HABENDA is when a nobleman was stripped of his title and lands for committing a crime against the king. If he wanted to regain his title and lands, he would have to pay a fine to the king and receive his pardon.

Another example is when a commoner was accused of a crime against the king and was sentenced to prison. If he wanted to be released from prison and avoid further punishment, he could pay a fine to the king and receive his pardon.

BENEVOLENTIA REGIS HABENDA was a way for people to regain favor with the king and avoid harsh punishment. By paying a fine and receiving the king's pardon, they could regain their place, title, or estate. The examples illustrate how this worked in practice, with both nobles and commoners using this system to their advantage.