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Justinian I · The Digest of Justinian §46.5.9.pr

Interpretation of Ambiguities in Praetorian Stipulations

Passage 7796 of 9271 · Latin

Summary

This text explains that the interpretation of ambiguous language in praetorian stipulations belongs to the praetor himself, as his intention must be evaluated.

[UENULEIUS libro primo stipulationum. ] §46.5.9.prIn praetoriis stipulationibus si ambiguus sermo acciderit, praetoris erit interpretatio: eius enim mens aestimanda est.
[VENULEIUS, Stipulations, Book I] In praetorian stipulations, if ambiguous language occurs, the interpretation shall belong to the praetor; for his intention must be evaluated.

Notes

  1. §46.5.9.prpraetoris — A possessive genitive indicating belonging or authority. Since these are praetorian stipulations commanded and drafted under the authority of the praetor, the right of interpretation belongs to him.
  2. §46.5.9.preius enim mens aestimanda est — eius is the genitive of the demonstrative pronoun is, referring back to praetoris. aestimanda est is a passive periphrastic construction (gerundive + sum) expressing necessity or obligation, meaning 'for his (the praetor's) intention must be evaluated'.

Cite this passage

Justinian I, The Digest of Justinian §46.5.9.pr. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:latinLit:phi2806.phi002.humanitext-lat1:46.5.9.pr

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