Legal Definitions - primum decretum

Definition: Primum decretum is a Latin term that means "first decree." In the context of law, it refers to:

1. Historical Ecclesiastical Law: A preliminary decree granted in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to appear in court.
2. Maritime Law: A provisional decree.

Examples:

• Historical Ecclesiastical Law: If a defendant fails to appear in court, the plaintiff may be granted a primum decretum, which allows them to proceed with the case without the defendant's presence.
• Maritime Law: In maritime law, a primum decretum may be issued to allow a ship to be detained or seized until a dispute is resolved.

The examples illustrate how primum decretum is used in different legal contexts. In both cases, it refers to a preliminary or provisional decree that is granted to one party when the other party fails to appear or when there is a dispute that needs to be resolved.