Legal Definitions - villenous judgment

Definition: Villenous judgment (vil-uh-nuhs). Hist. A judgment that deprived a person of their rights, resulting in them being discredited and disabled as a juror and witness. They would forfeit their possessions, land, and even have their homes and trees destroyed. They would also be sent to prison.

Example: In medieval England, a person could be subject to a villenous judgment if they were found guilty of a serious crime such as treason or murder. For example, if a person was found guilty of treason, they would lose all their possessions, their land would be confiscated, and their homes and trees would be destroyed. They would also be sent to prison for life.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a villenous judgment was a severe punishment that could result in a person losing everything they owned and being imprisoned for life. It was a way for the ruling class to maintain control and punish those who threatened their power.