Escheat Propter Delictum Tenentis

Upon a felony conviction, the lands of a vassal escheated to his overlord; treason and breaches of faith between the two being the most common causes of estates reverting.

A trial might be conducted in a court, but in the EF and HC periods the accused had right of trial by Combat a l’ Outrance (to the death). Deliberate refusal to answer charges being viewed as admission of guilt, with the land reverting in absentia.

A convicted vassal could be declared outlaw and legally slain on sight–however, fines and other financial penalties were usual. Rebellious nobles could even receive crushing fines from a ruler, perhaps having their lands confiscated for a few years and then returned after again swearing homage, such punishment being equivalent to a fine of their income.