Monstraverunt

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The writ of Monstraverunt (Latin: Monstraverunt nobis, "They have shown to us") was a writ in English common law used exclusively by tenants of the Ancient Demesne to protect themselves against the imposition of new or increased feudal services by their lords. [1] Historically significant as an early form of "class action" lawsuit, the writ allowed technically unfree peasants to sue their lords in the King's courts—a privilege generally denied to standard villeins. [2]

References

  1. ↑ Bouvier, John; Rawle, Francis (1897). Bouvier's Law Dictionary. Boston: Boston Book Company.
  2. ↑ Vinogradoff, Paul (1892). Villainage in England: Essays in English Mediaeval History. Oxford: Clarendon Press.


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