Legal Definitions - ligia et non ligia

Term: Ligia et non ligia
Definition: In Scots law, ligia et non ligia refers to the distinction between liege and nonliege. A liege fee is a type of landholding that is directly held under the Crown, while a nonliege fee is held under a vassal of the Crown. For example, if a person owns land that is directly held under the Crown, they have a liege fee. If they own land that is held under a vassal of the Crown, they have a nonliege fee. This distinction was important in medieval Scotland because it determined the level of loyalty and obligations owed to the Crown.