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Simple English definitions for legal terms
donatio propter nuptias
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A quick definition of donatio propter nuptias:
Donatio propter nuptias is a Latin term that means "a gift on account of marriage." In Roman law, it refers to a gift given by a husband to his wife that is equivalent to her dowry and subject to similar conditions. It used to be called donatio ante nuptias, which means "gift before marriage," but the law was later changed by Justinian. A dowry, or dos, was a gift made by the wife or someone else on her behalf to the husband as her contribution towards the expenses of their joint establishment. There are different types of dowries, including dos adventitia, which is a dowry brought by the bride when furnished by someone other than the bride or her father, dos profectitia, which is a dowry brought by the bride when furnished by the bride's father or herself, and dos receptitia, which is a dowry that is specially stipulated to be returnable to the giver when the marriage ends.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Donatio propter nuptias is a Latin term that means "a gift on account of marriage." In Roman law, it refers to a gift from a husband to his wife that is equivalent to her dowry and subject to similar conditions.
For example, if a husband gives his wife a piece of property as a gift on their wedding day, it would be considered a donatio propter nuptias. This gift would be in addition to the dowry that the wife brings to the marriage.
Donatio propter nuptias was formerly called donatio ante nuptias, which means "gift before marriage," because it was not allowed after the marriage celebration. However, Justinian later changed the law and the name.
Other related terms include:
- Dos: A dowry, which was a gift made to the husband on the part of the wife as her contribution towards the expenses of the joint establishment.
- Dos adventitia: A dowry brought by a bride to her husband when furnished by someone other than the bride or her father.
- Dos profectitia: A dowry brought by a bride to her husband when furnished by the bride's father or the bride herself.
- Dos receptitia: A dowry (whether adventitia or profectitia) that is specially stipulated to be returnable to the giver when the marriage ends.
Overall, donatio propter nuptias was an important part of Roman law and helped to ensure that both parties in a marriage had some financial security.