Legal Definitions - cum fossa et furca

Definition: Cum fossa et furca (pronounced kuhm faw-suh et fur-kuh) is a Latin phrase used in ancient charters to grant Baron courts the right to try capital offenses and to inflict capital punishment. The phrase means "with pit and gallows."

Example: If a Baron court was granted the power of cum fossa et furca, they could try and punish someone for a crime that was punishable by death. This could include crimes like murder, treason, or other serious offenses.

Explanation: The phrase cum fossa et furca was used to give Baron courts the power to enforce the law and punish those who committed serious crimes. The "pit" referred to a hole in the ground where the convicted person would be buried, and the "gallows" referred to a structure used for hanging the convicted person. This phrase was important because it allowed Baron courts to maintain order and keep people safe from dangerous criminals.