Legal Definitions - capitula de judaeis

Definition: Capitula de judaeis (pronounced kuh-pich-uh-luh dee joo-dee-is) is a Latin term that means "chapters on the Jews." It refers to laws and regulations that were created in medieval England to govern the Jewish population. These laws were often discriminatory and reflected the anti-Semitic attitudes of the time.

Examples: One example of the capitula de judaeis was the requirement for Jews to wear a distinctive badge or clothing to identify themselves as Jewish. Another example was the imposition of special taxes and fees on Jews, which were often exorbitant and unfair.

These examples illustrate how the capitula de judaeis were used to discriminate against and marginalize the Jewish population in medieval England. By requiring Jews to wear identifying clothing and imposing unfair taxes and fees, the government made it clear that Jews were not welcome or valued members of society.