Legal Definitions - interdictum

Definition: Interdictum (in-tər-dik-təm) is a legal term used in Roman law. It refers to a summary order that is issued to protect the rights of the applicant by either preventing something from being done (prohibitory interdict), requiring property to be produced (exhibitory interdict), or restoring property (restitutory interdict).

For example, if someone is about to build a structure that would block your access to your property, you could apply for a prohibitory interdict to prevent them from doing so. Similarly, if someone has taken possession of your property, you could apply for a restitutory interdict to have it returned to you.

Interdicta were often used as a preliminary measure to an ordinary legal action, as they allowed for immediate action to be taken to prevent or redress a wrong without waiting for the usual legal processes to play out.