Legal Definitions - tenure in capite

Tenure in capite is a type of land tenure in which a person holds land directly from the Crown. The term comes from the Law Latin phrase "in capite," which means "in chief."

For example, in medieval England, lords and nobles held their land from the king through tenure in capite. This meant that they owed certain obligations to the Crown, such as military service or payment of taxes.

Another example of tenure in capite can be found in the United States, where some Native American tribes hold their land in trust from the federal government. This type of tenure is similar to tenure in capite because the tribes hold their land directly from the government.

Overall, tenure in capite is a historical form of land tenure that has been used in various countries throughout history. It involves holding land directly from the Crown or government, and often involves certain obligations or responsibilities in return.