Legal Definitions - capitula

Definition: Capitula (pronounced kuh-pich-uh-luh) is a Latin term that means "chapters." In history, it refers to collections of laws or ordinances that are organized under various headings. It can also refer to chapters or assemblies of ecclesiastical persons.

• Ancient Roman law was organized into capitula, or chapters, that covered different areas of law such as property, contracts, and crimes.
• The Carolingian capitularies were a collection of laws and ordinances issued by Charlemagne and his successors in the 8th and 9th centuries.
• The Council of Trent was a series of capitula, or meetings, of Catholic bishops and theologians in the 16th century that addressed issues such as the Protestant Reformation and church doctrine.

These examples illustrate how capitula were used to organize and categorize laws and ordinances, as well as to convene assemblies of important figures in history.