Factum.L

Lat.

In old English law. A deed; [a thing done in writing;] a conveyance or other written instrument, under seal, formerly otherwise termed eharta, and by the civilians literarum ohligatio. Co. Litt. 35 b, 171 b. 2 Stra. 815. Spelman. 2 Bl. Com. 295. 1 Steph, Com. 446. See Charta, Deed. Factum simplex; a deed poll. Spelman. Factum indentatum; a deed indented. Id. Bracton uses factum with charta, though not apparently as a synonyme. De chartis regiis et factis regum. Bract, fol. 34. Nee factum regis nee chartam. Id. ibid. The charta was the expression and evidence of the factum, and hence the natural transition from the one term to the other, to signify the same thing. Factum, however, does not appear to have at first had the full ineaning of charta, and hence the distinction made between them by Lord Coke. Co. Litt. 9 b. See Deed.