Legal Definitions - de bonis non amovendis

Definition: De bonis non amovendis is a Latin term that means "of goods not to be moved." It refers to a writ that directs the sheriffs of London to ensure that a defendant's goods are not removed while the defendant's writ of error on a judgment is pending.

Example: If a defendant has been ordered by a court to pay a sum of money to the plaintiff, but the defendant believes that the judgment was made in error, they may file a writ of error. While the writ of error is pending, the defendant may request a de bonis non amovendis writ to prevent the plaintiff from seizing their property to satisfy the judgment.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a de bonis non amovendis writ can be used to protect a defendant's property while they are appealing a judgment. The writ ensures that the defendant's goods cannot be removed or sold until the appeal is resolved. This helps to prevent the plaintiff from taking advantage of the defendant's situation and seizing their property before the appeal is heard.