Legal Definitions - custos placitorum coronae

Definition: Custos placitorum coronae (pronounced kuh-stuhs plas-uh-tawr-uhm kuh-roh-nee) is a Latin term that means "keeper of the pleas of the crown." It refers to a legal officer who was responsible for investigating and determining the cause of death in cases where it was suspected to be unnatural or violent. This role is now known as a coroner.

Example: During the Middle Ages, custos placitorum coronae was a formal title used to refer to the officer responsible for investigating deaths. However, over time, the shorter forms coronarius and coronator became more commonly used. In English, the term "coroner" or "crowner" was used to refer to this role.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the term custos placitorum coronae evolved over time to become the more commonly used term coroner. It also shows how the English language adapted the term to create the words "coroner" and "crowner." This term is important in legal history because it refers to a role that was responsible for investigating deaths and determining the cause of death, which is still an important function of coroners today.