[ULPIANUS libro undecimo ad edictum. ] §4.4.1.prHoc edictum praetor naturalem aequitatem secutus proposuit, quo tutelam minorum suscepit.
[ULPIANUS, in the eleventh book on the Edict.] The praetor proposed this edict, following natural equity, by which he undertook the protection of minors.
nam cum inter omnes constet fragile esse et infirmum huiusmodi aetatium consilium et multis captionibus suppositum, multorum insidiis expositum: auxilium eis praetor hoc edicto pollicitus est et aduersus captiones opitulationem.
For since it is agreed among all that the judgment of this age is fragile and weak, and subject to many deceptions and exposed to the snares of many, the praetor by this edict promised them aid and assistance against deceptions.
§4.4.1.1Praetor edicit: 'Quod cum minore quam uiginti quinque annis natu gestum esse dicetur, uti quaeque res erit, animaduertam'. §4.4.1.2Apparet minoribus annis uiginti quinque eum opem polliceri: nam post hoc tempus compleri uirilem uigorem constat.
The praetor declares: "Whatever is alleged to have been transacted with a person under twenty-five years of age, I will take cognizance of it according to the circumstances of each case." It is clear that he promises aid to those under twenty-five years of age; for it is established that after this time, manly vigor is fully attained.
§4.4.1.3Et ideo hodie in hanc usque aetatem adulescentes curatorum auxilio reguntur, nec ante rei suae administratio eis committi debebit, quamuis bene rem suam gerentibus.
And therefore, today up to this age, young men are governed by the assistance of curators, and the administration of their own property must not be committed to them before then, even if they manage their own affairs well.