ANNUS DELIBERANDI

annus deliberandi (an-<<schwa>>s d<<schwa>>-lib-<<schwa>>-ran-dI). [Latin “the year for

deliberating”]  Scots  law.  The  year  during  which  an  heir  could  determine  whether  to  enter  an A

inheritance  and  represent  an  ancestor.  The  period  was  later  shortened  to  six  months.  See

DAMNOSA AUT LUCROSA.

“The  entry  of  an  heir  infers  serious  responsibilities,  and  therefore  the  year  is  allowed  for

consideration. The annus deliberandi commences on the death of the ancestor, unless in the case of

a  posthumous  heir,  in  which  case  the  year  runs  from  the  heir’s  birth.”  William  Bell,  Bell’s

Dictionary and Digest of the Law of Scotland 47 (George Watson ed., 7th ed. 1890). [Blacks Law 8th]