Maxim 1.5.135
Mortmain (dead hand) because it is an immortal possession; “manus” stands for possession, and “mortua” for immortal.
Manus mortua, quia possessio est immortalis, manus pro possessione et mortua pro immortali.
Source: Co. Litt. 2; Jackson
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
Lands held in mortmain (by corporations or religious houses) are effectively removed from commerce because the holder never dies — statutes of mortmain exist to prevent perpetual accumulation by immortal entities.
Where this applies
- A corporation holds land indefinitely because the entity never dies.
- Church-owned property is permanently removed from the market.
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.5.135 — Mortmain (dead hand) because it is an immortal possession; “manus” stands for possession, and “mortua” for immortal. — Co. Litt. 2; Jackson (Manus mortua, quia possessio est immortalis, manus pro possessione et mortua pro immortali.)
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