Legal Definitions - contrectatae

Definition: Contrectatae (kon-trek-tay-tee) is a Latin term used in Scots law to refer to things that have been improperly used or tampered with by a person, such as a thief.

Examples: If a thief breaks into a house and steals a television, the television becomes contrectatae. If the thief tries to sell the television to someone else, that person would also be in possession of contrectatae property.

Explanation: The examples illustrate how contrectatae refers to items that have been unlawfully taken or tampered with. In Scots law, possession of contrectatae property is illegal and can result in criminal charges. This term is important in determining the legal status of property and can be used in court cases to prove theft or other criminal activity.