Legal Definitions - nisi feceris

Definition: Nisi feceris is a legal term that means "unless you have done so." It was used in manorial writs to provide that the king's court or officer would do justice if the lords failed. This allowed royal courts to take over the jurisdiction of manorial courts.

Example: If a lord failed to provide justice for his tenants, they could appeal to the king's court using a nisi feceris clause. This gave the royal court the power to hear the case and make a ruling.

Definition: Nisi malitia suppleat aetatem is a Latin phrase used in Roman and Scots law. It means "unless malice supplies want of age." This phrase was used to presume that a child under the age of puberty lacked the necessary intent to commit a crime unless an evil intent was specifically shown.

Example: If a child under the age of puberty was accused of a crime, the court would presume that they did not have the intent to commit the crime unless it was proven that they had an evil intent. This is an example of how nisi malitia suppleat aetatem was used in legal proceedings.