sederunt

Sederunt is a Latin term meaning "they sat down." It is most commonly found in legal contexts, particularly in older legal documents and jurisprudence, referring to a session or meeting of a court or council. The phrase often marks the beginning of official proceedings or judgments, indicating that the members of the body have convened to deliberate or decide.

Historically, when a court or a deliberative assembly would gather to consider a case or discuss matters of importance, they would "sederunt" to begin their work. This term signifies the formal establishment of a quorum and the commencement of judicial or administrative action. It implies a moment of collective attention and readiness to engage in the business at hand.

The use of "Sederunt" can be seen in the marginalia of ancient legal texts, where it might preface a specific ruling or decision. It denotes the point at which the judges or members of the assembly took their seats and formally began their consideration of the issues before them. While less frequently used in modern legal practice, the term retains historical significance and can be encountered in discussions of legal history and the evolution of judicial procedure. It serves as a reminder of the procedural formality that once characterized such gatherings.