Humanitext Reader

Justinian I · The Digest of Justinian §18.2.10.pr

Creditor Pledges and Insolvent Obstructive Bids

Passage 2679 of 9271 · Latin

Summary

Discusses that when a creditor sells a pledge under a provisional sale on better terms, they must accept a better bid to act in good faith, but if an insolvent bidder intervenes solely to obstruct the sale, the creditor can safely award it to the prior buyer.

[IULIANUS libro tertio decimo digestorum. ] §18.2.10.prSed si proponatur a creditore pignus in diem addictum, non potest uideri bona fide negotium agi, nisi adiectio recipiatur.
[JULIAN, Digest, book 13.] But if a pledge is offered for sale by a creditor with a provisional sale on better terms, the business cannot be seen to be conducted in good faith unless the increased bid is accepted.
quid ergo est, si inops emptor et impediendae tantummodo uenditionis causa interuenit? potest creditor sine periculo priori emptori addicere.
What is the case, then, if an insolvent purchaser intervenes merely for the purpose of obstructing the sale? The creditor can, without risk, adjudge the property to the prior purchaser.

Notes

  1. §18.2.10.prpignus in diem addictum — Refers to 'a pledge offered for sale subject to a provisional sale on better terms' (in diem addictio). When a creditor sells a pledge to realize their security, this clause allows the sale to be canceled if a better offer is made within a set period. Because the creditor is bound by good faith (bona fides) to protect the debtor's interests, they are generally required to accept a better bid.
  2. §18.2.10.primpediendae tantummodo uenditionis causa — A purpose expression using a gerundive construction. The gerundive impediendae agrees with the genitive noun uenditionis, and together with the governing noun causa, it means 'solely for the purpose of obstructing the sale'. When the intervening bidder lacks the intent or means to buy, the good faith (bona fides) requirement does not apply, allowing the creditor to maintain the sale to the prior honest purchaser.

Cite this passage

Justinian I, The Digest of Justinian §18.2.10.pr. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:latinLit:phi2806.phi002.humanitext-lat1:18.2.10.pr

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