Legal Definitions - libellus

Definition: Libellus (lə-bel-əs) is a Latin term that has multiple meanings:

1. In Roman law, it refers to a small book or a written statement presented to a court as evidence or a petition.
2. In history, it was used as an instrument to transfer ownership of land.
3. It can also refer to any legal petition or document, such as a bill of complaint.

Examples:

• A libellus was presented to the court as evidence of the defendant's guilt.
• The libellus was used to transfer ownership of the land from the seller to the buyer.
• The plaintiff filed a libellus with the court to initiate legal proceedings against the defendant.

The examples illustrate how libellus was used in Roman law and history as a written statement or instrument to convey ownership of property. It was also used in legal proceedings as a petition or document to initiate or support a legal claim.