Legal Definitions - de vasto

Definition: De vasto (dee vas-toh), n. [Law Latin “of waste”] A writ allowing a reversioner or remainderman to compel a tenant for life or for years to appear and answer for the waste and resulting damage to the plaintiff's inheritance. See WASTE (1).

Example: John owns a piece of land and leases it to Mary for 10 years. During the lease, Mary cuts down all the trees on the land, causing damage to the land and reducing its value. After the lease ends, John can use the writ of de vasto to sue Mary for the damage she caused to his inheritance.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the writ of de vasto can be used to protect the rights of a reversioner or remainderman. In this case, John is the reversioner, and Mary is the tenant for years. Mary's actions caused damage to John's inheritance, and the writ of de vasto allows John to hold Mary accountable for her actions.