BASSE JUSTICE Meaning and
Definition
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Basse justice, also known as low justice, is a legal term that refers to a specific form of jurisdiction or authority primarily exercised in feudal societies during the Middle Ages and early Modern era. The term originates from Old French, where "basse" means "low" and "justice" refers to the administration of the law.
Basse justice refers to the authority or power held by landowners, lords, or other local officials to administer justice at the local or manorial level. In this context, "justice" encompasses both civil and criminal matters, including the power to judge and resolve disputes, punish minor offenses, maintain order, and enforce customary laws within their own territories.
The jurisdiction of basse justice typically covered matters such as petty theft, small debts, minor assaults, and breaches of local customs or regulations. The punishment for these offenses was usually limited to fines, corporal punishments, or minor restrictions on personal liberty, rather than severe penalties like imprisonment or capital punishment.
Basse justice stands in contrast to haute justice or high justice, which refers to the jurisdiction held by higher-ranking authorities, such as monarchs, ecclesiastical courts, or regional nobles, who would handle more serious offenses or cases that fell outside the jurisdiction of local courts.
Overall, basse justice played a significant role in maintaining social order and ensuring the administration of justice within local communities during feudal times, and it formed an integral part of the legal framework in medieval Europe.
Etymology of BASSE JUSTICE
The term "Basse Justice" is derived from the Old French words "basse" and "justice".
The word "basse" means "low" or "base" in English. In the context of "Basse Justice", it refers to a lower form or level of justice compared to the higher courts or more prominent legal systems.
The word "justice" comes from the Latin "justitia", which means "righteousness" or "fairness". In this case, it refers to a system or function of maintaining law and order and ensuring fair treatment.
Therefore, "Basse Justice" can be translated as "lower justice" or "inferior justice". It denotes a localized, less powerful judicial system that dealt with minor civil and criminal matters, often handled by lower-ranking officials or local authorities.
Similar spelling word for BASSE JUSTICE
