Mund (in law)

The historical term Munt means " (Right) protection, screen, guardianship " and is a central concept in the personal law of the Middle Ages.

Etymology

The word derives from Proto-Germanic Munt * munđō f, hand, protection ', see Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Altsäschsisch mouth. The word exists as a loanword from Old High German Altfränkische or in several European languages, including in Latin mundium, French mainbour, guardian ' (from Latin mundeburdium, see, by analogy OHG muntboro ) and pol. mouth. It is related to the Latin manus, hand ', wal mwn, glove ' me. montar, muinter, lawful wife ', and agriech. Mare ( μάρη ), hand '.

Meaning and History

The Munt is the forerunner of today's care law. The Muntherr (now the guardian) took over including the protection and the liability of the Muntlings (now a ward ). The most important Muntverband was the house (the family ) were subjected to by the wife and children of the house Lord. The servants, if present, also counted it. Daughters of the landlord left the Munt in the marriage and then entered the Munt of a husband ( Muntehe ).

Sons were themselves mature in starting their own household. This term was shortened to mature. From the High Middle Ages was generally reaching the 21st birthday as a fixed date for reaching the maturity. This meant that an adult son was allowed to independently conduct business.

Special forms of Munt

A special form of Munt was the king protection for clergy, merchants and Jews ( Jews shelf ) and anchored for widows and orphans. The bailiff also held the Munt.