Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
in mancipio
Read a random definition: letter of advocation
A quick definition of in mancipio:
Term: IN MANCIPIO
Definition: In ancient Rome, if someone did something wrong, their father or owner could be sued for damages. This was called a noxal action. If the father or owner didn't want to pay, they could give their son or slave to the person they owed money to. This meant the son or slave was in mancipio, which meant they were in a state of civil bondage. They had to work for the person they were given to until the debt was paid off. Animals could also be given up if they caused damage.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: In mancipio (in man-sip-ee-oh) is a Latin term used in Roman law to describe a state of civil bondage. It refers to the status of a son who is handed over by his father to settle a claim in a noxal action.
Example: If a son committed a tort (a wrongful act) in Roman times, the injured party could sue the father for damages. The father could either pay the penalty or surrender his son to the injured party, putting him in mancipio.
Explanation: This means that the son would be in a state of civil bondage, essentially becoming the property of the injured party until the debt was paid off. This was a common practice in Roman law, where family members were held responsible for each other's actions.
Additional Example: Another example of a noxal action would be if someone's animal caused damage to another person's property. The injured party could sue the owner of the animal, who would then have to pay the penalty or surrender the animal to the injured party.
Explanation: This shows how the concept of in mancipio applied not only to human family members but also to animals. It was a way of holding people accountable for the actions of those under their care or ownership.