RootsChat.Com

Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Topic started by: sonofthom on Wednesday 05 November 14 16:55 GMT (UK)

Title: Sederunt - legal document
Post by: sonofthom on Wednesday 05 November 14 16:55 GMT (UK)

I have an 1857 legal document which appoints someone to look after the business affairs of another while he is out of the country. However the appointment is made on 25th March and is only until "the fifth sederunt day in May next". I would guess that a sederunt day refers to the sitting of a court but would appreciate confirmation from anyone with legal knowledge. I also am unclear as to whether "May next" refers to the following year, 1858, or is it May 1857? Alex.

Title: Re: Sederunt - legal document
Post by: GR2 on Wednesday 05 November 14 17:06 GMT (UK)

In Scots usage, especially at that time, the nearest May would be called the "first May". The following May would be "next May". "Sederunt" is Latin for "they sat" and appears in documents before the list of those present. It also comes to mean an official sitting of a body.

Title: Re: Sederunt - legal document
Post by: sonofthom on Wednesday 05 November 14 17:21 GMT (UK)

Thanks, that's helpful. Alex.