Legal Definitions - spatae placitum

Definition: Spatae placitum (spay-tee plas-uh-tuhm) is a Latin term that means "the plea of the sword." It refers to a court that was established during the reign of Henry II to provide swift justice in military matters.

Example: If a soldier committed a crime while on duty, they would be brought before the spatae placitum court for trial. The court would hear the case and make a quick decision, often resulting in severe punishment such as execution or banishment.

The spatae placitum court was necessary during medieval times when military matters required immediate attention. The court's decisions were final and could not be appealed, which ensured that justice was swift and decisive.