Legal Definitions - minutio

Definition: Minutio (mi-n[y]oo-shee-oh) is a legal term from Roman law that means a lessening or reduction. It is often used in conjunction with the term deminutio (dee-mi-n[y]oo-shee-oh), which means a deprivation or loss.

Example:Capitis deminutio is a phrase that refers to the loss of civil status. This could happen if a person was enslaved, exiled, or had their citizenship revoked. In this case, the minutio would be the reduction of their legal standing.

Explanation: The example illustrates how minutio and deminutio are related. Capitis deminutio is a type of deminutio that involves a loss of civil status, which is a form of minutio. The term is important in Roman law because it was used to determine a person's legal rights and privileges. Understanding the different types of deminutio was crucial for determining a person's legal standing in society.