Roman vs Modern Law Perspectives

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Questions and Answers

What societal shift in the 20th century is described, where individuals are seen more as consumers?

A shift from a class-based society to a mass society of consumers.

What distinguishes a tyrant from a dictator in their original meanings?

A dictator has a specific task and timeframe; a tyrant has no legal limits.

What was the original meaning of the term 'tyrant' in ancient Greece?

It was a neutral term for a ruler of a city-state.

What caused the term 'tyrant' to develop its negative stigma in Athens?

<p>The unfair use of power by the last tyrant before Athenian democracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Latin phrase 'aius in re propria' mean?

<p>'Right in one's own thing,' which refers to ownership.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Roman law, what is the meaning of the term 'persona'?

<p>In Roman law, 'persona' initially meant 'mask' in theater, representing a role or symbol rather than the real human, which was 'homo'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the number of real rights on private property change from the Middle Ages to later periods, and why?

<p>It decreased as society sought free and unencumbered private property.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Roman perspective, where does the human person exists?

<p>In a community: family, city, and universal society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the Roman understanding of equality?

<p>The Romans understood equality as each status having its own form of equality, not as absolute egalitarianism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Roman law, what was the purpose of appointing a dictator?

<p>To handle a specific set of tasks during a crisis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key risk of absolute power?

<p>It tends to corrupt, leading to oppressive rule.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Romans aim to achieve with the people they conquered?

<p>The Romans aimed to incorporate conquered people into Roman society, allowing them to become part of the Roman population while preserving elements of their culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Christianity present a problem for the Romans?

<p>Christianity's monotheistic beliefs were incompatible with the Roman practice of incorporating various gods into their pantheon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Roman perspective, how is the individual or 'point' defined?

<p>The individual is defined by their position within intersecting circles of community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of human persons in Roman Law?

<p>The three types of persons are slaves, freemen, and freedmen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant distinction between the Roman and modern perspective of the individual?

<p>Romans viewed the individual as a point among circles of community, whereas modern perspectives tend to view the individual as a isolated point.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central right of the human person, according to the text's description of capitalism?

<p>Private property</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is the main difference between the French Civil Code and the German Civil Code?

<p>The French Civil Code is a code of private property, while the German Civil Code is a code of the will.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the French Civil Code, what is the term used for 'legal goods'?

<p><em>Biens</em></p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the legal concept that describes the rights a person has over things that belong to another?

<p><em>Iura in re aliena</em></p> Signup and view all the answers

In a capitalistic system, why is a worker alienated from the products they produce?

<p>The products belong to the capitalist owner, not the worker.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the French Civil Code state about the right of property in Article 544?

<p>It states that property is the right to enjoy and dispose of things in the most absolute manner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, what is one way in which a worker experiences alienation in a capitalist society?

<p>Alienation from the act of production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of public property in the French Civil Code?

<p>Property of the state, an extension of private property.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental basis for every type of contract according to the notes?

<p>An agreement is the fundamental basis for every type of contract.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between public and private agreements in the context of law.

<p>Public agreements relate to matters like peace treaties, while private agreements can produce judicial actions and are enforceable in court.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who were the founders of the two most important schools of law in Ancient Rome?

<p>The Sabinian School was founded by Gaius Ateios Capito, and the Proculian School was founded by Labeo.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Proculian School established by Labeo?

<p>The Proculian School is characterized by an innovative approach to law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the term 'ius gentium' as mentioned in the notes.

<p>'ius gentium' refers to the Law Common to all Humans, providing a basis for certain conventions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Ulpianus, what are the types of private conventions mentioned?

<p>Private conventions are based on legislative enactments or the Law Common to all Humans (ius gentium).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Labeo's stance on the role of the emperor Augustus?

<p>Labeo opposed Augustus's role, believing it threatened the liberty of the Roman Republic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legal definitions did Labeo provide as mentioned in Ulpianus's commentary?

<p>Labeo defined the terms 'to act,' 'to transact,' and 'to contract.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of numerus clausus as it relates to real rights?

<p>The principle of <em>numerus clausus</em> limits the types of real rights that can be created on another person's property to strengthen private property.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between the structure and the function of a contract.

<p>The structure of a contract involves the will and agreement of the parties, while the function concerns the purpose of the exchange of goods or services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the negotiation process impact the formation of an agreement?

<p>Negotiation allows the parties to balance their wills and reach an equilibrium point, leading to a collective agreement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is an obligation significant in a contract?

<p>An obligation in a contract signifies a juridical duty to perform a specific action in the future, providing certainty that the parties will respect the agreement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Roman law play in the development of contract types?

<p>Roman law emphasized specific types of contracts, such as sale or loan, rather than a general understanding of contracts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the term verba cumtraere in Roman contract law.

<p><em>Verba cumtraere</em> refers to contracts that are formed solely through the use of formal words.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a contract of sale, how is the exchange function expressed?

<p>The exchange function in a contract of sale is expressed through the transfer of money for goods or services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might an agreement not require an explicit statement of its exchange function?

<p>An agreement may not require an explicit statement of its exchange function as it can be understood through established practices of immediate exchange.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ariston state is necessary for a civil obligation to arise?

<p>An agreement plus a reason (causa) is necessary for a civil obligation to arise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'synallagma' in the context of mutual agreements?

<p>'Synallagma' refers to a mutual agreement where both parties have obligations towards each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Julianus' decision about the case involving Stichus and Pamphilus differ from Mauricianus' view?

<p>Julianus believed an action in factum should be granted, while Mauricianus argued there is a civil action for uncertain objects under prescribed terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, when does a civil obligation become binding?

<p>A civil obligation becomes binding when one of the parties exchanges an object involved in the agreement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Savigny's contribution to the understanding of obligation in private law?

<p>Savigny explored how duties can coexist with personal freedom within the framework of obligations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way is an atypical agreement considered effective according to Ariston?

<p>An atypical agreement can be effective if it includes both an agreement and a reason (causa).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to parties once an object is exchanged under a civil obligation?

<p>Once an object is exchanged, the parties cannot remove themselves from their obligations anymore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of obligation relate to the issue of freedom, particularly in historical contexts of slavery?

<p>Obligation cannot impose a minority on the debtor, maintaining their freedom despite their duties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Property in French Civil Code

The right to enjoy, use, and dispose of something in the most absolute manner, subject to legal limits.

Biens in French Civil Code

Legal goods, including objects, intangible rights, and any subject matter recognized by the law.

Public Property in French Civil Code

The property of the state, viewed as an extension of private property.

Private Property in Capitalism

The central right of individuals in a capitalist society, allowing them to own and control assets like machinery.

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Worker Alienation in Capitalism

The alienation of workers from their labor and the products they create.

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Production Belonging to the Producer

The idea that what is produced belongs to the producer, which does not hold true in a capitalist system.

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Worker Contract in Capitalism

A contract where workers give their time and labor in exchange for a salary.

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Worker Separation from Means of Production

The separation of workers from the means of production, making them reliant on capitalists for employment.

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Numerus Clausus

A legal concept originating in Roman law, it refers to the restricted number of rights attached to real property.

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Why is Numerus Clausus important?

The concept of Numerus Clausus emphasizes the importance of restricting the number of legal rights affecting private property.

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What is ownership?

Ownership is a real right that grants the owner complete control over their property.

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What are the key elements of ownership?

Ownership is a real right that gives the owner the right to use, possess, and dispose of their property.

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What are some examples of real rights in Roman law?

In Roman law, real rights were classified into categories like ownership, use, habitation, usufruct, servitudes, pledge, real mortgage, superficies, and emphyteusis.

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How does Numerus Clausus create a balance in property law?

The Numerus Clausus doctrine aims to create a balance between individual ownership rights and limitations on those rights.

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How did the importance of private property affect real rights in the Middle Ages?

The Middle Ages saw a significant increase in the number of recognized real rights affecting private property, due to the growing significance of private property in society.

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Why is predictability important in property law?

The concept of Numerus Clausus helps to ensure predictability and certainty in property law by limiting the types of rights that can be established.

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Roman Persona

In Roman law, the "persona" is a legal classification of an individual based on their social status, like a slave, freeman, or freedman. The Roman concept of "persona" emphasizes the individual as part of a community, highlighting their defined roles within society.

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Community-Oriented Individualism

The Roman legal concept emphasizing that individuals are not isolated but always connected to various communities, like family, city, or the universal society. These communities define the individual's position within the legal framework.

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Status-Based Equality

The Roman legal system recognizes different statuses (like slaves, freemen, freedmen) within specific communities, where each status enjoys equality with others in the same category.

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Roman Inclusiveness

The Roman empire's approach to expanding its influence by incorporating foreign populations into its own political and social framework, allowing them to maintain their cultural identity while becoming part of the Roman citizenry.

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Role of Roman Law

The Roman legal framework played a crucial role in outlining the specific position of each individual within the various communities they belonged to, defining their legal rights and obligations.

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Man as a Point in Communities

The Roman understanding of man as a point located within multiple intersecting circles of community, contrasting with the modern view of man as a solitary point in a larger system.

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Roman Equality

The Roman approach to equality focused on recognizing differing statuses and ensuring equality within each status group, contrasting with the idea of absolute equality for all individuals.

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Roman Legal Framework

The Roman legal system was designed to incorporate individuals into its framework by defining their social and legal roles within various communities.

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Contract

A formal agreement between two or more parties that creates legally enforceable obligations.

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Agreement (Conventio)

A mutual understanding or shared will reached by two or more parties, forming the basis of a contract.

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Actionable Agreement

A type of agreement that involves legal actions, giving parties the right to seek legal remedies if the agreement is breached.

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Law of Nations (ius Gentium)

The body of legal principles that govern obligations between individuals, derived from the customs and practices of nations.

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Sabinian School

A school of Roman legal thought known for its conservative approach to law.

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Proculian School

A school of Roman legal thought known for its innovative and progressive interpretation of law.

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Labeo

A prominent Roman jurist known for his innovative legal interpretations and opposition to the imperial system.

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Ulpianus

A Roman jurist who wrote extensively on the Edict, contributing significantly to the development of Roman law.

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Contract Law

The legal framework that defines the structure and function of agreements between parties, enabling the exchange of goods, services, or obligations.

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Agreement

The process of parties reaching a consensus on the terms of an agreement, involving negotiation and balancing their individual wills to create a shared understanding.

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Exchange

The act of exchanging something for something else, typically goods or services for money.

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Obligation

A formal promise to perform a specific action or fulfill a specific obligation in the future, under the legal framework of a contract.

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Contract of Sale

A contract that involves the transfer of ownership of goods or services in exchange for money, considered the most prevalent type of contract globally.

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Roman System of Contracts

A system of legal rules and principles governing specific contracts in Roman law, emphasizing the types of contracts themselves rather than a general concept of contracts.

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Verbis Cumtraere

A category of contracts in Roman law where the mere use of specific words is sufficient to create a legally binding agreement.

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Causa (Reason)

A legal concept in Roman law that describes the reason or justification for a legal obligation.

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Synallagma (Mutual Agreement)

A mutual agreement in Roman law where both parties agree to exchange something of value.

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Give Something, Get Something

A situation in Roman law where one party gives something to another with the understanding that the other party will do something in return.

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Action in Factum

A legal action in Roman law that could be brought to enforce a contract that was not explicitly written down.

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Civil Action for an Object in Prescribed Terms

A lawsuit in Roman law that was based on a specific written contract.

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Savigny

A German jurist who contributed significantly to the understanding of legal obligations in the 19th century.

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Obligation and Freedom

The idea that an obligation cannot restrict the freedom of the person who is obligated.

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Study Notes

Roman Law Perspective

  • The word "persona" originally meant "mask" in theatre, representing the physical person, not the reality.
  • Romans saw humans as part of a community (social, political, family, universal).
  • Three types of human persons existed: slaves, freemen, and freedmen. A slave was considered a person, not a thing.
  • Communitarian elements were more important than individual nature.
  • Equality was perceived as each status having its own equality.
  • Roman Empire aimed to incorporate foreigners while maintaining their cultures, not simply subjugate.
  • Romans viewed communities as interconnected circles, with the individual person as a point within them.

Modern Perspective

  • 17th-century natural law thinkers emphasized the individual person's centrality.
  • Private law shifted from managing community relationships to individual rights and obligations.
  • Human individuals were viewed as the subject of the law, independent from their communities.

Property

  • Ownership is the strongest legal relationship between a person and an object, giving the owner complete control.
  • Use implies using an object even if not owned (e.g., taking wood). Different types of use, like usufruct, exist.
  • Roman law had three types of property: collective, public, and private.
  • Public property was crucial to Romans, with the idea that common areas, like land or public spaces, are for the community.
  • Private property was associated with individual ownership and use.

Contract Law

  • Contract law in the Roman world focused on specific types of contracts (e.g., sale, loan, hire).
  • Roman jurists viewed the agreement's structure and function as key parts of a contract.
  • A "will" component exists, even in exchanges where the price and agreement are not explicitly stated. The will is fundamental to contract formation
  • Obligations were central to enforcing contracts, requiring future performance. Obligations were viewed through a legal lens.
  • Obligations were considered as a necessary part of a relationship that is considered legally relevant
  • The notion that any obligation has a direct link to a material object is crucial to understand the structure of these obligations in Roman law

Law of Obligation

  • Roman law viewed obligation as a "legal bond" requiring fulfilling promises or duties.
  • Distinctions were made between civil and praetorian obligations.
  • Obligations could arise from contracts, quasi-contracts, delicts (wrongful acts), or quasi-delicts.
  • Individuals were viewed as having mutual (bilateral) obligations, with potential repercussions for not fulfilling those obligations
  • The concept of "causa" (reason) was important for contractual obligations. This concept was viewed as a justification or reason for entering into a contract.
  • The Roman perspective on obligations emphasized the debtor's protection by law (favor debitoris) and the importance of establishing grounds to make these obligations credible over time.

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