In Custodia Legis

In custodia legis [Lat.] (in the keeping of the law), a term used of goods which, from having been already seized by the sheriff under an execution, or being otherwise in the custody of the law, are exempt from distress for rent. By the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1709 (8 Anne, C. 18 [or 14], as amended by the Bankruptcy Act, 1914, s. 35(2), the sheriff may not take goods on demised premises in execution unless the party at whose suit the execution issued pay to the landlord his arrears of rent, not exceeding six months' rent. As to goods seized under a County Court warrant, see County Courts Act, 1934, s. 134, reproducing with amendments the 1888 Act, s. 160; Bankruptcy Act, 1914, s. 35.