The study is dedicated to Bonagratia of Bergamo, a Franciscan layman of the 14th century, who played an important part in his Order’s controversy with the Spirituals and in the debate of the poverty of Christ. Together with his general minister Michael of Cesena, William of Ockham and Francis of Ascoli, Bonagratia came into conflict with Pope John XXII and wrote many polemical texts and his famous appellationes. A detailed study of these writings elaborates Bonagratias intellectual merits as a legal expert and as the procurator of the Franciscan Order. Wittneben demonstrates that the legal competence and active experience of this lawyer had a profound influence on the poverty debate.