Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

ORDEAL Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

The most ancient species of trial, in Saxon and old English law, being peculiarly distinguished by the appellation of “judicium Dei,” or “judgment of God,” it being supposed that supernatural intervention would rescue an innocent person from the danger of physical harm to which he was exposed in this species of trial. The ordeal was of two sorts,

Disclaimer

This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.