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Simple English definitions for legal terms
emptor familiae
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A quick definition of emptor familiae:
Term: Emptor Familiae
Definition: Emptor Familiae is a Latin term used in Roman law to refer to a trustee who received an inheritance through a fictitious purchase and distributed it according to the testator's instructions. Essentially, this person acted as an estate purchaser and executor. This practice was used when someone was on the brink of death and unable to make a true will because there was no imminent sitting of the Comitia. The instructions given to the Emptor Familiae were not always enforceable, but they were meant to guide the distribution of the property.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Emptor familiae is a Latin term that means "estate purchaser" in English. In Roman law, it refers to a trustee who received an inheritance by a fictitious purchase and distributed it as the testator instructed.
Example: In ancient Rome, when someone was about to die and there was no imminent sitting of the Comitia, they would convey all their property to a person who is described as the familiae emptor. This person would then distribute the property as per the instructions given by the testator.
Explanation: The example illustrates how the concept of emptor familiae was used in ancient Rome to ensure that a person's property was distributed according to their wishes even if they were unable to make a true will. The familiae emptor acted as a trustee and carried out the testator's instructions, ensuring that their property was distributed as per their wishes.