This meticulous study provides a rare look into the administrative and legal structures of the medieval church. Focusing on the 'right of spoil' during the Avignon papacy between 1316 and 1415, Daniel Williman offers a detailed analysis of how the popes claimed the goods of deceased clerics. This academic work is an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, and students of medieval church history who wish to understand the intersection of canon law, fiscal policy, and papal authority. By examining the financial customs of this era, the author sheds light on the complex power dynamics that defined the Avignon residency. You will gain a clear understanding of the institutional challenges faced by the Church during this period and how legal mechanisms were used to sustain the papal office. With its rigorous research and focus on primary historical data, this text helps you piece together the often-overlooked economic history of the Middle Ages. Ideal for those engaged in university research or private historical study, this volume serves as a definitive look at the legalities that governed the church in a time of significant transition and political tension.