Legal Definitions - libertatibus exigendis in itinere

Definition: Libertatibus exigendis in itinere (lib-uh-ruh-tee-buhs ek-si-jen-dis in I-tin-uh-ree) is a Latin term that refers to a writ from the king to one of a panel of itinerant judges (the justices in eyre) ordering them to admit an attorney to represent a criminal defendant.

Example: In medieval England, the Crown sent out royal courts called eyres to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, try cases, and raise revenue for the Crown through the levy of fines. The itinerant judges who presided over these courts were known as justices in eyre, and they were authorized to admit attorneys to represent criminal defendants by issuing a writ called libertatibus exigendis in itinere.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the term libertatibus exigendis in itinere was used in medieval England to grant criminal defendants the right to legal representation. The writ was issued by the itinerant judges who presided over the royal courts known as eyres, which were sent out by the Crown to investigate and try cases in the counties. The writ was an important legal tool that ensured that defendants had access to legal representation, which was essential for a fair trial.