Felo-de-se

[MarkJ]

Came across this term in a report into the murder of one of my ancestors. The murderer killed himself afterwards. His death, following an inquest, was recorded as felo-de-se. I had no idea what it meant, so I looked it up and thought it worth listing on the forum in case others are researching and come across it.

Felo de se is Latin for "felon of himself" - i.e suicide.

Apparently not a term used today, but I would be interested to know when it went out of general use. The murder I referred to was in 1915, so I was surprised to see that term being used so recently.

Mark

[AnnB]

Hello Mark

I don't know when it went out of use, but it is mentioned in passing in the Suicide Act of 1961 http://www.uk-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1961/cukpga_19610060_en_1

Best wishes
Ann

[MarkJ]

Thanks Ann. Seems that the 1961 Act repeals the 1882 Act which mentions felo de se - so perhaps that is when the term was considered to be archaic?

Mark