Jus Devolutum

Jus Devolutum (devolved right). When, in the Established Church of Scotland, a patron does not present to a parish within six months after the commencement of the vacancy, the right of presentation falls to the presbytery, tanquam jure

devoluto. Still further to guard against abuse, it has been enacted (act 1719, c. 29) "that if patron shall present any person to a vacant church who shall not be qualified, by taking and subscribing the said oath in manner aforesaid, or shall present a person to any vacancy who is then or shall be pastor or minister of any other church or parish, or any person who shall not accept or declare his willingness to accept of the presentation and charge to which he is presented, within the said time, such presentation shall not be accounted any interruption of the course of time allowed to the patron for presenting; but the jus devolutum shall take place as if no such presentation had been offered, any law or custom to the contrary notwithstanding." — Eadie, Ecclesiastical Dictionary, s.v. SEE PATRONAGE.