Legal Definitions - manucaptor

A manucaptor is a type of surety who gives mainprise for another person. This means that they promise to ensure that the person will appear in court on a specific day. They cannot imprison or surrender the person before that day. The term comes from the Law French words "main" meaning "hand" and "pernor" meaning "taker".

Example 1: John was arrested for a crime and needed someone to vouch for him in court. His friend Tom agreed to be his manucaptor and promised to ensure that John would appear in court on the specified day.

Example 2: A writ of mainprise was issued for Mary, who was being held in custody. Her sister Jane acted as her manucaptor and promised to ensure that Mary would appear in court on the specified day.

These examples illustrate how a manucaptor acts as a surety for someone who is in custody and promises to ensure that they will appear in court on a specific day. This helps to ensure that the person does not flee or avoid their court appearance.