Legal Definitions - custody of the law

Definition: Custody of the law refers to the state of property or a person being under the control of legal authority, such as a court or law enforcement officer. This is also known as "in custodia legis."

Example 1: When a person is arrested, they are taken into custody of the law and are under the control of the police until they are released or brought before a judge.

Example 2: If a person dies without a will, their property is placed in custody of the law until a court can determine who the rightful heirs are.

These examples illustrate how custody of the law means that legal authority has control over a person or property. It is important for maintaining order and ensuring that justice is served.