Legal Definitions - amittere liberam legem

Definition: A Latin phrase that means "to lose one's free law." This refers to losing the status of libera lex due to crime or infamy. This was punished by a "villenous judgment," which involved discrediting the person as a juror and witness, forfeiting goods and lands for life, having houses razed and trees uprooted, and going to prison. This punishment was used for conspirators and those involved in a wager of battle who cried "craven."

Example: If a person committed a crime and was found guilty, they could lose their free law and be subject to a villenous judgment. This meant they would lose their property, be discredited as a witness or juror, and go to prison.

Explanation: The example illustrates how amittere liberam legem was used as a punishment for those who committed crimes or were involved in illegal activities. It shows how severe the punishment was and how it could affect a person's life and status in society.