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Justinian I · The Digest of Justinian §40.2.7.pr

Manumission of Slaves En Route Before a Magistrate

Passage 6327 of 9271 · Latin

Summary

This passage explains that it is not necessary to manumit slaves in a formal court, and that they can be manumitted on the way while a magistrate is out for private purposes.

[GAIUS libro primo rerum cottidianarum siue aureorum. ] §40.2.7.prNon est omnino necesse pro tribunali manumittere: itaque plerumque in transitu serui manumitti solent, cum aut lauandi aut gestandi aut ludorum gratia prodierit praetor aut proconsul legatusue Caesaris.
[GAIUS, in the first book of Everyday Matters or Golden Words.] It is by no means necessary to manumit in court: therefore, slaves are usually manumitted on the way, when the praetor, proconsul, or legate of Caesar has gone out for the purpose of bathing, taking a ride, or attending the games.

Notes

  1. §40.2.7.prmanumittere — An active infinitive used generally without an expressed subject. It stands in contrast with the subsequent passive infinitive manumitti.
  2. §40.2.7.prgestandi — The genitive of the gerund from gestare. Here it is used in a middle-passive sense of 'being carried (in a litter or carriage)', which refers to taking a ride for recreation.

Cite this passage

Justinian I, The Digest of Justinian §40.2.7.pr. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:latinLit:phi2806.phi002.humanitext-lat1:40.2.7.pr

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