Legal Definitions - gestu et fama

Definition: Gestu et fama is a legal term from Latin that means "demeanor and reputation." It was used in the past by people who were imprisoned due to their poor reputation in the community. They could use this writ to gain release from jail until the arrival of justices with commissions of gaol delivery.

• John was arrested for theft, but he had a good reputation in the community. He used gestu et fama to gain release from jail until the arrival of the justices.
• Mary was accused of witchcraft, and her reputation was ruined in the community. She used gestu et fama to gain release from jail until the arrival of the justices.

These examples illustrate how gestu et fama was used in the past to help people who were imprisoned due to their reputation in the community. It allowed them to gain temporary release from jail until the arrival of the justices who would decide their fate.