Chivalric Law
/ˈʃɪvəlrɪk lɔː/
Definitions
- (n.) A body of medieval legal and moral codes governing knights, emphasizing honor, loyalty, and martial conduct.
The chivalric law dictated the behavior expected of knights during the Middle Ages.
- (n.) The customary legal principles regulating the conduct of warfare and the treatment of prisoners in medieval Europe.
Chivalric law influenced early notions of just conduct in war.
Forms
- chivalric law
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often conflated with the code of chivalry, chivalric law includes both moral and legal norms affecting knights and warfare in medieval legal history.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.