Also known as: scrutators · scrutineer · examiner
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A historical bailiff or officer who enforces the king's water rights by supervising wreckage, flotsam, and jetsam. The officer also serves as a customs official.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Skylar Sullivan, a medieval coastal resident, collected flotsam after a shipwreck. The scrutator arrived to claim the goods for the crown and fined Sullivan for interference. The seizure stood because the officer held authority over such materials.
Santiago Sanchez attempted to land cargo without declaration. The scrutator boarded the vessel and seized undeclared items under royal water rights. Sanchez's challenge failed because the officer's customs role was established.
Spencer Silver found jetsam on the shore and claimed ownership. The scrutator intervened to enforce the king's prerogative and took custody. Silver received no compensation because the officer's supervisory power prevailed.
Sebastian Santos salvaged wreckage without permission. The scrutator ordered the materials returned to the crown and imposed a penalty. Santos complied after the officer documented the violation of water rights.
Sasha Stone gathered flotsam from a recent storm. The scrutator examined the items and asserted royal title. Stone's retention claim was rejected because the officer's historical authority controlled.
Solomon Silver imported goods along the coast. The scrutator conducted an inspection and levied duties. Silver paid after the officer invoked the king's water rights enforcement power.
A scrutator held authority to supervise and claim wreckage, flotsam, and jetsam for the crown under historical water rights rules. The officer could seize items and impose penalties on unauthorized collectors.
Yes. The role included customs duties such as inspecting cargo and enforcing royal prerogatives along waterways.
…police on how to handle the individual who refuses to discuss the matter entirely, or who asks for an attorney or relatives. The examiner is to concede him the right to remain silent. "This usually has a very undermining effect. First of all, he is disappointed in his expectation of an unfavorable reaction on the part of the…