Legal Definitions - cretion

Term: CRETION
Definition: Cretion is a legal term used in Roman law to describe the process of accepting an inheritance by an appointed heir. It had to be declared within 100 days from the date on which an heir received notice of the appointment. If the heir failed to do so, they would be disinherited and a substitute would take the inheritance in their place. The term comes from the Latin word "cernere" which means "to decide".
Example: John was appointed as the heir in his grandfather's will. He had 100 days to declare his acceptance of the inheritance, which is known as cretion. If he failed to do so, he would be disinherited and someone else would take his place. This example illustrates how cretion is a legal process that ensures the rightful heir accepts the inheritance within a specific time frame.