De iure deliberandi
(Concerning the Right of Deliberating.)
1Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book LX. If a slave should be appointed an heir, we cannot grant him time for deliberation, but it is granted to him to whom the slave belongs; for the reason that slaves are considered by the Prætor as of no importance. Moreover, if the slave belongs to several masters, we grant time for deliberation to all of them. 1The Prætor says, “If anyone asks time for deliberation I will grant it”. 2When the Prætor says that he will grant time, but does not say how much, he undoubtedly means that it is in the power of the court having jurisdiction to fix the term to be allowed.
2Paulus, On the Edict, Book LVII. And no less than a hundred days should be granted.
3Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book LX. It must be noted that sometimes one term, and sometimes several, are granted for deliberation, when the Prætor is convinced that the time that he allowed when first applied to was not sufficient.
4The Same, On the Edict, Book LXI. This indulgence should not be granted, unless where a very good reason exists.
5The Same, On the Edict, Book LXX. Aristo says that the Prætor should come to the relief not only of creditors, but also of the heir who has been appointed, and that they should furnish the latter with a copy of their claims, in order that he may ascertain whether it is to his interest to accept the estate or not. 1If the estate is quite valuable, and while the heir is deliberating there is property forming part of it which will be spoiled by lapse of time, upon application to the Prætor, the person who is deliberating can sell the said property for a fair price, without being prejudiced thereby; and he can also sell any property which is too expensive to keep, as, for instance, beasts of burden, or slaves which were for sale; as well as such articles as become deteriorated by delay. He also should take care that any debt which is due, or which is subject to a penalty, or which is secured by valuable pledges, is paid.
6Gaius, On the Provincial Edict, Book XXIII. Hence, where wine, oil, wheat, or money constitutes part of the estate, it should be used to pay the debts. If there are none of these articles, money must be collected from the debtors of the estate, and if there are no debtors, or they contest the claims against them, any superfluous property should be sold.
7Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book LX. The Prætor says: “If time is requested in the name of a male or female minor, for the purpose of deliberation as to whether it will profit him or her to retain the estate, and this is granted, if there seems to be good reason to diminish the assets of the estate in the meantime, I shall forbid this to be done, unless the report of a reputable citizen recommends it after thorough investigation.”
8The Same, On the Edict, Book LXI. Where a proper heir, after having rejected the estate, requests time for deliberation, let us see whether he ought to obtain it. The better opinion is that he should obtain it, where proper cause is shown, and the property of the estate has not yet been sold.
9Paulus, On the Edict, Book LVIII. While the son is deliberating, he should be supported at the expense of the estate.
10Marcellus, Digest, Book XXVIII. When there are several degrees of appointed heirs, the Prætor says that he will examine them one by one in regular succession, in accordance with the time granted each for deliberation; in order that, while the estate is passing from the first to the following degrees, he may as soon as possible find the heir who can satisfy the creditors of the deceased.
11Javolenus, On the Last Works of Labeo, Book IV. A former slave had a son who was a freedman, and whom he appointed his heir, and he then inserted into his will: “If I should have no son who will become his own master, then let Damas the slave be free”. The minor son of the testator had been emancipated. The question arose whether Damas should be free. Trebatius declares that he should not, because the term freedman is also included in the appellation of son. Labeo holds the contrary opinion, because in this instance a true son must be understood. I adopt the view of Trebatius, in case it should become evident that the testator had reference to the said son.