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OpenJurist

Capitis Diminutio Maxima

Defined in 3 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)

The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary

Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922

The highest or most comprehensive loss of status. This occurred when a man's condition was changed from one of freedom to one of bondage, when he became a slave. It swept away with it all rights of citizenship, and all family rights.

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

Complete loss of civil status.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

The highest or most comprehensive loss of status. This occurred when a man's condition was changed from one of freedom to one of bondage, when he became a slave. It swept away with it all rights of citizenship and all family rights.