[TERENTIUS CLEMENS libro tertio ad legem Iuliam et Papiam. ] §23.2.21.prNon cogitur filius familias uxorem ducere.
[TERENTIUS CLEMENS in his third book on the Lex Iulia et Papia.] A son-in-power is not compelled to take a wife.
Justinian I · The Digest of Justinian §23.2.21.pr
Prohibition of Compelling a Son to Marry
Summary
It states the legal principle that a son-in-power cannot be compelled to marry against his will.
Notes
- §23.2.21.prfilius familias — familias is an archaic genitive singular form (ending in -as) of familia, modifying filius. A "son-in-power" (filius familias) refers to a male descendant under the paternal power (patria potestas) of the pater familias, belonging to the category of alieni iuris (under another's right).
- §23.2.21.pruxorem ducere — An idiomatic expression meaning "to take a wife" or "to marry." ducere literally means "to lead (into one's house)," used with a male subject. In contrast, nubere is used when the subject is female.
Cite this passage
Justinian I, The Digest of Justinian §23.2.21.pr. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:latinLit:phi2806.phi002.humanitext-lat1:23.2.21.pr
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