De mortis causa donationibus et capionibus
(Concerning donations and other acquisitions mortis causa.)
1 Marcianus libro nono institutionum. Mortis causa donatio est, cum quis habere se vult quam eum cui donat magisque eum cui donat quam heredem suum. 1Sic et apud Homerum Telemachus donat Piraeo.
1 Marcianus, Institutes, Book IX. A donation mortis causa is one where the party wishes to retain the property himself instead of transferring it to him to whom he donates it, but prefers that the donee shall have it rather than his heir. 1Telemachus gives a donation of this kind to Piræus, in Homer.
2 Ulpianus libro trigensimo secundo ad Sabinum. Iulianus libro septimo decimo digestorum tres esse species mortis causa donationum ait, unam, cum quis nullo praesentis periculi metu conterritus, sed sola cogitatione mortalitatis donat. aliam esse speciem mortis causa donationum ait, cum quis imminente periculo commotus ita donat, ut statim fiat accipientis. tertium genus esse donationis ait, si quis periculo motus non sic det, ut statim faciat accipientis, sed tunc demum, cum mors fuerit insecuta.
2 Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book XXXII. Julianus, in the Seventeenth Book of the Digest, says that there were three kinds of donations mortis causa. The first, where the donor, who is under no apprehension of impending death, makes a donation solely with a view to his decease. He says another kind of donation mortis causa is where anyone is disturbed by the immediate prospect of death and makes a donation, so that the article immediately becomes the property of the person who receives it. He says that the third kind of donation is where a man, apprehensive of death, does not give the property so that its ownership will immediately vest in the person entitled to it, but provides that it shall belong to him after the death of the donor.
3 Paulus libro septimo ad Sabinum. Mortis causa donare licet non tantum infirmae valetudinis causa, sed periculi etiam propinquae mortis vel ab hoste vel a praedonibus vel ab hominis potentis crudelitate aut odio aut navigationis ineundae:
3 Paulus, On Sabinus, Book VII. It is lawful to make a donation mortis causa not only when a person is induced to do so by failing health, but also because of the danger of impending death, either at the hands of enemies, or robbers; or on account of the cruelty or hatred of some powerful man, or when anyone about to undertake a sea voyage;
4 Gaius libro primo rerum cottidianarum sive aureorum. aut per insidiosa loca iturus.
4 Gaius, Diurnal or Golden Matters. Or travel through dangerous places,
5 Ulpianus libro secundo institutionum. Aut aetate fessus:
5 Ulpianus, Institutes, Book II. Or where one is exhausted by old age:
6 Paulus libro septimo ad Sabinum. haec enim omnia instans periculum demonstrant.
6 Paulus, On Sabinus, Book VII. For all these conditions indicate impending danger.
7 Ulpianus libro trigensimo secundo ad Sabinum. Si aliquis mortis causa donaverit et poena fuerit capitis affectus, removetur donatio ut inperfecta, quamvis ceterae donationes sine suspicione poenae factae valeant.
7 Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book XXXII. If anyone convicted of a capital crime should make a donation mortis causa, the donation will be annulled as imperfect; although other donations made by him previous to the suspicion that he was liable to such a penalty may be valid.
8 Idem libro septimo ad Sabinum. Qui pretio accepto hereditatem praetermisit, sive ad substitutum perventura sit hereditas, sive ab eo ab intestato successurus, mortis causa capere videtur: nam quidquid propter alicuius mortem obvenit, mortis causa capitur: quam sententiam et Iulianus probat et hoc iure utimur. nam et quod a statulibero condicionis implendae causa capitur vel a legatario, mortis causa accipitur: et quod pater dedit propter mortem filii vel cognati, mortis causa capi Iulianus scripsit. 1Denique et sic posse donari aut, ut, si convaluerit, recipiatur.
8 The Same, On Sabinus, Book VII. Where anyone, having received a sum of money, rejects an estate, whether it passes to a substitute, or whether an heir succeeds to it on the ground of intestacy, he is considered to have obtained the money mortis causa; for whatever is acquired on account of the death of anyone is obtained mortis causa. Julianus adopts this opinion, and we make use of it. For where anything is received by a slave, who is to be free under a certain condition, for the purpose of complying with the condition; or anything is obtained by a legatee mortis causa; or where a father gives anything on account of the death of his son, or of a relative; Julianus states that it is acquired mortis causa. 1Hence, he says that a donation can be made in such a way that it will revert to the donor, if the sick person should recover.
9 Paulus libro tertio ad Sabinum. Omnibus mortis causa capere permittitur, qui scilicet et legata accipere possunt.
9 Paulus, On Sabinus, Book III. Everyone is permitted to acquire a donation mortis causa who has the right to receive a legacy.
10 Ulpianus libro vigensimo quarto ad Sabinum. Ei, cui mortis causa donatum est, posse substitui constat in hunc modum, ut promittat alicui, si ipse capere non possit, vel sub alia condicione.
10 Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book XXIV. It is settled that he to whom a donation mortis causa is made can be substituted in such a way that he can promise the property to someone else, if the latter cannot himself acquire it, or cannot do so under some other condition.
11 Idem libro trigensimo tertio ad Sabinum. Mortis causa filii sui pater recte donare poterit etiam constante matrimonio filii.
11 The Same, On Sabinus, Book XIII. A father can legally make a donation on account of the death of his son, even during the existence of his son’s marriage.
12 Idem libro quadragensimo quarto ad Sabinum. Si mulier, ventris nomine per calumniam ut in possessionem mitti desideret, pecuniam accepit, forte dum substituto patrocinatur, ut institutum aliqua ratione excludat, mortis causa eam capere Iulianus saepius scribit.
12 The Same, On Sabinus, Book XLIV. Where a woman fraudulently asks to be placed in possession of an estate in the name of her unborn child, and receives money on this account, in order to favor a substitute, or to exclude the appointed heir, for some reason or other, Julianus frequently stated that she obtained this money mortis causa.
13 Iulianus libro septimo decimo digestorum. Si alienam rem mortis causa donavero eaque usucapta fuerit, verus dominus eam condicere non potest, sed ego, si convaluero. 1Marcellus notat: in mortis causa donationibus etiam facti quaestiones sunt. nam et sic potest donari, ut omnimodo ex ea valetudine donatore mortuo res non reddatur: et ut reddatur, etiamsi prior ex eadem valetudine donator decesserit, si tamen mutata voluntate restitui sibi voluerit. sed et sic donari potest, ut non aliter reddatur, quam si prior ille qui acceperit decesserit. sic quoque potest donari mortis causa, ut nullo casu sit eius repetitio, id est nec si convaluerit quidem donator.
13 Julianus, Digest, Book XVII. If I give property belonging to another as a donation mortis causa, and it should afterwards be acquired by usucaption, the true owner cannot recover it, but I can do so, if I regain my health. 1Marcellus says that questions of fact may arise with reference to donations mortis causa, for the donation may be made in such a way that if the donor should die of his illness, it shall not be returned; or that it shall be returned if the donor, having changed his mind, desires it to be restored to him, even if he should die of the same illness. A donation of this kind can also be made subject to the provision that it shall not be returned unless the person who is to receive it dies first. A donation mortis causa can be made in such a way that the property shall not be returned in any event; that is to say, not even if the donor should recover his health.
14 Iulianus libro octavo decimo digestorum. Si mortis causa donatus fundus est et in eum impensae necessariae atque utiles factae sint, fundum vindicantes doli mali exceptione summoventur, nisi pretium earum restituant.
14 Julianus, Digest, Book XVIII. Where a tract of land is donated mortis causa, and necessary and useful expenses are incurred with reference to it, parties bringing an action to recover the land can be barred by an exception on the ground of fraud, unless they reimburse the donee for the said expenses.
15 Idem libro vicensimo septimo digestorum. Marcellus notat: cum testamento relinquendi, cui velint, adepti sint filii familias milites liberam facultatem, credi potest ea etiam remissa, quae donationes mortis causa fieri prohibent. Paulus notat: hoc et constitutum est et ad exemplum legatorum mortis causa donationes revocatae sunt.
15 The Same, Digest, Book XXVII. Marcellus says that where sons under paternal control, who are serving in the army, have obtained the unrestricted right to dispose of their property by will to anyone whom they may select, it may be held that they are also released from the observance of the ordinary formalities required in the case of donations mortis causa. Paulus says, with reference to this, that it is established by the Imperial Constitutions that donations mortis causa can be revoked in the same way as legacies.
16 Idem libro vicensimo nono digestorum. Mortis causa donatio etiam dum pendet, an convalescere possit donator, revocari potest.
16 Julianus, Digest, Book XXIX. A donation mortis causa can be revoked even while it is yet uncertain whether or not the donor can recover his health or not.
17 Idem libro quadragensimo septimo digestorum. Etsi debitor consilium creditorum fraudandorum non habuisset, avelli res mortis causa ab eo donata debet. nam cum legata ex testamento eius, qui solvendo non fuit, omnimodo inutilia sint, possunt videri etiam donationes mortis causa factae rescindi debere, quia legatorum instar optinent.
17 The Same, Digest, Book XLVII. Even if a debtor may not have had the intention to defraud his creditors, his donee can be deprived of property given to him mortis causa; for, as legacies bequeathed by the will of a person who is insolvent are absolutely void, it can be held that donations mortis causa made under such circumstances should also be annulled because they resemble legacies.
18 Idem libro sexagensimo digestorum. Mortis causa capimus non tunc solum, cum quis suae mortis causa nobis donat, sed et si propter alterius mortem id faciat: veluti si quis filio vel fratre suo moriente donet Maevio ea condicione, ut, si convaluerit alteruter eorum, reddatur sibi res, si decesserit, maneat apud Maevium. 1Si donaturus mihi mortis causa debitorem tuum creditori meo delegaveris, omnimodo capere videbor tantam pecuniam, quanta a creditore meo liberatus fuero. quod si ab eodem ego stipulatus fuero, eatenus capere existimandus ero, quatenus debitor solvendo fuerit: nam et si convaluisset creditor idemque donator, condictione aut in factum actione debitoris obligationem dumtaxat reciperet. 2Titia chirographa debitorum suorum Septicii et Maevii donatura illis Ageriae dedit et rogavit eam, ut ea, si decessisset, illis daret, si convaluisset, sibi redderet: morte secuta Maevia Titiae filia heres extitit: Ageria autem, ut rogata erat, chirographa Septicio et Maevio supra scriptis dedit. quaeritur, si Maevia heres summam, quae debebatur ex chirographis supra scriptis, petat vel ipsa chirographa, an exceptione excludi possit? respondit Maeviam vel pacti conventi vel doli mali exceptione summoveri posse. 3Qui hominem noxae nomine vel alias obligatum mortis causa acceperit, tantum cepisse intellegendus est, quanti is homo venire potuisset. idem in fundo qui obligatus est observari poterit, ut pretium excutiatur.
18 The Same, Digest, Book LX. We obtain a donation mortis causa not only when anyone gives it to us on account of his death, but also where he makes the donation dependent on the death of another, as, for instance, if anyone should give to Mævius a donation in case of the death of his son, or his brother, under the condition that if either of them should recover from his illness, the property shall be restored to him, but if either of them should die, it will belong to Mævius. 1If you should make a donation mortis causa to me, by directing your debtor to pay my creditor, I shall, in any event, be held to be entitled to as much money as will release me from liability to my creditor. If, however, I should make a stipulation with your debtor, I will be considered to be entitled to only as much as the debtor is able to pay. For even if you, being the creditor, should recover your health, and the donor should do the same, you can only bring an action for recovery, or one in factum for an amount equal to the obligation of the debtor. 2Titia, desiring to donate to her debtors Septitius and Mævius their promissory notes, gave them to Ageria, and asked her to give them to the said debtors, if she, Titia, should die, but if she should be restored to health, to return them to her. She, having died, Mavia, the daughter of Titia, became her heir; but Ageria gave the notes to the above-mentioned Septitius and Mævius, as she had been requested to do. The question arises if Mævia, the heir, brought an action to recover the sum due on the above-mentioned notes, or one to recover the notes themselves, whether she could be barred by an exception. The answer was that Mævia could be barred by an exception based on the execution of the contract, or by one on the ground of fraud. 3Where anyone has received a slave by way of satisfaction for damages caused by him, or for some other liability, as a donation mortis causa, he is understood to have only acquired as much as the slave can be sold for. The same rule should be observed with reference to a tract of land which is encumbered, in order to ascertain the value of what is donated.
19 Idem libro octogensimo digestorum. Si filio familias res mortis causa data fuerit et convaluisset, donator actionem de peculio cum patre habet: at si pater familias, cum mortis causa donationem accepisset, in adoptionem se dederit, res ipsa a donatore repetitur. nec huic similis est is, qui rem, quam mortis causa acceperat, alii porro dederit: nam donator huic non rem, sed pretium eius condiceret.
19 The Same, Digest, Book LXXX. Where property is donated mortis causa to a son under paternal control, and the donor is restored to health, he can bring an action De peculio against his father. But if the head of the household receives the donation mortis causa, and then gives himself in adoption, the property given can be recovered by the donor. This case is not similar to that where he who receives a donation mortis causa gives it to another, for the donor cannot recover from him the property itself, but only its value.
20 Idem libro primo ad Urseium Ferocem. Ei, qui non amplius parte capere poterat, legatus est fundus, si decem dedisset heredi: non totam summam is dare debet, ut partem fundi haberet, sed partem dumtaxat pro rata, qua legatum consequitur.
20 The Same, On Urseius Ferox, Book I. A tract of land is devised to a person who cannot legally acquire but a portion of it, under the condition that he will pay ten aurei to the heir. He is not required to pay the entire sum in order to obtain his share of the land, but only an amount in proportion to the legacy which he is entitled to receive.
21 Idem libro secundo ad Urseium Ferocem. Eum, qui ut adiret hereditatem pecuniam accepisset, plerique, in quibus Priscus quoque, responderunt mortis causa eum capere.
21 The Same, On Urseius Ferox, Book II. Several authorities, and among them Priscus, have held that a person who receives a sum of money to induce him to accept an estate obtains the money mortis causa.
22 Africanus libro primo quaestionum. In mortis causa donationibus non tempus donationis, sed mortis intuendum est, an quis capere possit.
22 Africanus, Questions, Book I. In the case of a donation mortis causa, where the capacity of anyone to receive the property is the subject of investigation, the time of death, and not that of the donation should be considered.
23 Idem libro secundo quaestionum. Si filio familias mortis causa donatum sit et vivo donatore moriatur filius, pater vivat, quaesitum est, quid iuris sit. respondit morte filii condictionem competere, si modo ipsi potius filio quam patri donaturus dederit: alioquin, si quasi ministerio eius pater usus sit, ipsius patris mortem spectandam esse. idque iuris fore et si de persona servi quaeratur.
23 The Same, Questions, Book II. Where a donation mortis causa is made to a son under paternal control, and he dies during the lifetime of the donor, but his father survives, the question arises, what is the rule of law in a case of this kind? The answer was that, by the death of the son, an action to recover the property will lie; provided the donor had the intention of giving it to the son rather than to the father. Otherwise, if the agency of the son was only employed for the benefit of his father, then the death of the father must be taken into consideration. The same rule will apply where a question arises with reference to the person of a slave.
24 Idem libro nono quaestionum. Quod debitori acceptum factum esset mortis causa, si convaluerit donator, etiam tempore liberato ei potest condici: namque acceptilatione interveniente abitum ab iure pristinae obligationis eamque in huius condictionis transfusam.
24 The Same, Questions, Book IX. When a release is given to a debtor as a donation mortis causa, and the donor recovers his health, he can collect the debt, even if the debtor has been released by lapse of time; for, by the release, the creditor has renounced his claim under the prior obligation, and it has been merged in the right to recover the donation.
25 Marcianus libro nono institutionum. Tam is qui testamentum facit quam qui non facit mortis causa donare potest. 1Filius familias, qui non potest facere testamentum nec voluntate patris, tamen mortis causa donare patre permittente potest.
26 Idem libro secundo regularum. Si qui invicem sibi mortis causa donaverunt pariter decesserunt, neutrius heres repetet, quia neuter alteri supervixit. idem iuris est, si pariter maritus et uxor sibi donaverunt.
26 The Same, Rules, Book II. Where two persons make reciprocal donations, mortis causa, of the same property, and both of them die, the heir of neither can recover the property, for the reason that neither one survives the other. The same rule of law will apply, if a husband and wife should make reciprocal donations.
27 Idem libro quinto regularum. Ubi ita donatur mortis causa, ut nullo casu revocetur, causa donandi magis est quam mortis causa donatio: et ideo perinde haberi debet atque alia quaevis inter vivos donatio. ideoque inter viros et uxores non valet et ideo nec Falcidia locum habet quasi in mortis causa donatione.
27 The Same, Rules, Book V. Where a donation mortis causa is made in such a way that it cannot be revoked under any circumstances, it is rather a donation inter vivos than one mortis causa. Hence it should be considered as any other donation inter vivos, and will be void as between husband and wife; and the Falcidian Law will not apply, as it does in the case of donations mortis causa.
28 Marcellus libro singulari responsorum. Avunculo suo debitori mortis causa donaturus quae debebat ita scripsit tabulae vel chirographum tot ubicumque sunt, inanes esse neque eum solvere debere: quaero, an heredes, si pecuniam ab avunculo defuncti petant, exceptione doli mali tueri se possint. Marcellus respondit posse: nimirum enim contra voluntatem defuncti heres petit ab eo.
28 Marcellus, Opinions. A nephew, desiring to make a donation mortis causa to his uncle of the amount which he owed him, made the following statement in writing, “I wish any registers or notes of mine, wherever they may be found, to be void, and that my uncle shall not be obliged to pay them.” I ask, if the heirs bring suit to recover the money from the uncle of the deceased, whether they can be barred by an exception on the ground of fraud. Marcellus answered that they can be, for the heirs most assuredly are making a demand upon the uncle contrary to the wishes of the deceased.
29 Ulpianus libro septimo decimo ad edictum. Si mortis causa res donata est et convaluit qui donavit, videndum, an habeat in rem actionem. et si quidem quis sic donavit, ut, si mors contigisset, tunc haberet cui donatum est, sine dubio donator poterit rem vindicare: mortuo eo tunc is cui donatum est. si vero sic, ut iam nunc haberet, redderet, si convaluisset vel de proelio vel peregre redisset, potest defendi in rem competere donatori, si quid horum contigisset, interim autem ei cui donatum est. sed et si morte praeventus sit is cui donatum est, adhuc quis dabit in rem donatori.
29 Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book XVII. Where property is donated mortis causa, and the donor recovers his health, let us see whether he will be entitled to an action in rem. If anyone should make a donation under the condition that, in case of death, the property should belong to the person to whom it was given, there is no doub that the donor can recover it, and if he should die, he to whom.it was given can do so. If the condition was that the donee should immediately have the property as his own, but should return it if the donor recovered his health, or returned after a battle or a long journey, it can be maintained that the donor will be entitled to an action in rem, if any of these events take place; but, in the meantime, the property will belong to the person to whom it was donated. If, however, he to whom the donation was made, should predecease the donor, it may be held that the latter will be entitled to an action in rem.
30 Idem libro vicensimo primo ad edictum. Qui mortis causa donavit, ipse ex paenitentia condictionem vel utilem actionem habet.
30 The Same, On the Edict, Book XXI. Anyone who makes a donation mortis causa, and afterwards changes his mind, will be entitled to either an action to recover the property or to an equitable action.
31 Gaius libro octavo ad edictum provinciale. Mortis causa capitur, cum propter mortem alicuius capiendi occasio obvenit, exceptis his capiendi figuris quae proprio nomine appellantur. certe enim et qui hereditario aut legati aut fideicommissi iure capit, ex morte alterius nanciscitur capiendi occasionem, sed quia proprio nomine hae species capiendi appellantur, ideo ab hac definitione separantur. 1Iuliano placet, licet solvendo non sit debitor, cui acceptum latum sit, videri ei mortis causa donatum. 2Sine donatione autem capitur veluti pecunia, quam statuliber aut legatarius alicui condicionis implendae gratia numerat, sive extraneus sit qui accepit sive heres. eodem numero est pecunia, quam quis in hoc accipit, ut vel adeat hereditatem vel non adeat, quique in hoc accipit pecuniam, ut legatum omittat. sed et dos, quam quis in mortem mulieris a marito stipulatur, capitur sane mortis causa: cuius generis dotes recepticiae vocantur. rursus id, quod mortis causa donatur, aut in periculum mortis datur aut cogitationem mortalitatis, quod nos quandoque morituros intellegimus. 3Si iusseris mortis causa debitorem tuum mihi aut creditori meo expromittere decem, quid iuris esset quaeritur, si iste debitor solvendo non sit. et ait Iulianus, si ego stipulatus fuerim, tantam pecuniam videri me cepisse, in quantum debitor solvendo fuisset: nam et si convaluisset, inquit, donator, obligationem dumtaxat debitoris recipere deberet. si vero creditor meus stipulatus fuerit, tantam videri me pecuniam accepisse, in quantum a creditore meo liberatus essem. 4Per accepti quoque lationem egens debitor liberatus totam eam pecuniam, qua liberatus est, cepisse videtur.
31 Gaius, On the Provincial Edict, Book VIII. Property is acquired mortis causa when an occasion arises for obtaining it on account of the death of anyone, except in such instances as have a particular designation; for it is certain that anyone who acquires property by hereditary right, or as a legatee or the beneficiary of a trust acquires it, on account of the death of another, but for the reason that these methods of acquiring property are designated by specific names, they are distinguished from the one in question. 1It is held by Julianus that, although the debtor who has been released may not be solvent, the donation will still be considered to have been made mortis causa. 2Property can also be acquired without a donation; as, for instance, where a slave or a legatee pays a sum of money for the purpose of complying with some condition, whether the person who receives it is a stranger, or an heir. The case is similar where anyone receives money to accept or reject an estate, or to refuse a legacy which has been bequeathed to him. Even a dowry which has been stipulated for and will belong to the husband if his wife should die, is evidently acquired mortis causa, and dowries of this kind are designated as returnable. Again, anything which is donated mortis causa, or is given while in imminent danger of death, or with the expectation of mortality, for the reason that we understand that we will die sooner or later, is included in this category. 3If, with the intention of making a donation mortis causa, you should direct your debtor to make a new promise to my creditor to pay ten aurei, the question arises, what would be the rule of law if the debtor should not prove solvent? Julianus says that if I stipulate in this way, I shall be held to have obtained as much money as your debtor is able to pay; for he says if the donor recovers his health, he will only be entitled to obtain the new obligation of the debtor. If, however, my creditor should enter into the stipulation, I will be held to have received only as much money as I would have the right to be released from payment of to my creditor. 4When a debtor, who is poor, is released from his indebtedness by way of a donation, he is considered to have obtained all the money from the payment of which he was released.
32 Ulpianus libro septuagensimo sexto ad edictum. Non videtur perfecta donatio mortis causa facta, antequam mors insequatur.
32 Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book LXXVI. A donation made mortis causa is not considered to be perfect until after the death of the donor.
33 Paulus libro quarto ad Plautium. Qui alienam rem mortis causa traditam usucepit, non ab eo videretur cepisse, cuius res fuisset, sed ab eo, qui occasionem usucapionis praestitisset.
33 Paulus, On Plautius, Book IV. Where anyone acquires by usucaption property belonging to another which was donated mortis causa, he is not considered to have obtained it from the party to whom the property belongs, but from him who gave him the opportunity for usucaption.
34 Marcellus libro vicensimo octavo digestorum. Mortis causa donatio etiam sic constitui potest, ut quid stipuletur in annos singulos quoad viveret, scilicet ut post mortem promissoris incipiat exactio.
34 Marcellus, Digest, Book XXVIII. A donation mortis causa can also be made, even if it can be proved that the donee stipulated for payment every year, as long as he lived; that is to say, that collection should begin after the death of the promisor.
35 Paulus libro sexto ad legem Iuliam et Papiam. Senatus censuit placere mortis causa donationes factas in eos, quos lex prohibet capere, in eadem causa haberi, in qua essent, quae testamento his legata essent, quibus capere per legem non liceret. ex hoc senatus consulto multae variaeque quaestiones agitantur, de quibus pauca referamus. 1Donatio dicta est a dono quasi dono datum, rapta a Graeco: nam hi dicunt δῶρον καὶ δωρεῖσθαι. 2Sed mortis causa donatio longe differt ab illa vera et absoluta donatione, quae ita proficiscitur, ut nullo casu revocetur. et ibi qui donat illum potius quam se habere mavult: at is, qui mortis causa donat, se cogitat atque amore vitae recepisse potius quam dedisse mavult: et hoc est, quare vulgo dicatur: ‘se potius habere vult, quam eum cui donat, illum deinde potius quam heredem suum’. 3Ergo qui mortis causa donat, qua parte se cogitat, negotium gerit, scilicet ut, cum convaluerit, reddatur sibi: nec dubitaverunt Cassiani, quin condictione repeti possit quasi re non secuta propter hanc rationem, quod ea quae dantur aut ita dantur, ut aliquid facias, aut ut ego aliquid faciam, aut ut Lucius Titius, aut ut aliquid optingat, et in istis condictio sequitur. 4Mortis causa donatio fit multis modis: alias extra suspicionem ullius periculi a sano et in bona valetudine posito et cui ex humana sorte mortis cogitatio est: alias ex metu mortis aut ex praesenti periculo aut ex futuro, si quidem terra marique, tam in pace quam in bello et tam domi quam militiae multis generibus mortis periculum metui potest. nam et sic potest donari, ut omnimodo ex ea valetudine donatore mortuo res non reddatur, et ut reddatur, etiamsi prior ex eadem valetudine decesserit, si tamen mutata voluntate restitui sibi voluerit. et sic donari potest, ut non aliter reddatur, quam si prior ille qui accepit decesserit. sic quoque potest donari mortis causa, ut nullo casu sit repetitio, id est ne si convaluerit quidem donator. 5Si quis societatem per donationem mortis causa inierit, dicendum est nullam societatem esse. 6Si duobus debitoribus mortis causa donaturus creditor uni acceptum tulit et convaluerit, eligere potest, utri eorum condicat. 7Sed qui mortis causa in annos singulos pecuniam stipulatus est, non est similis ei, cui in annos singulos legatum est: nam licet multa essent legata, stipulatio tamen una est et condicio eius cui expromissum est semel intuenda est.
35 Paulus, On the Lex Julia et Papia, Book VI. The Senate decreed that where donations mortis causa were made to those whom the law forbade to receive them, they are in the same position as persons to whom legacies are bequeathed by will, and who are not permitted by law to accept them. A great variety of questions have arisen under this Decree of the Senate, a few of which we shall mention. 1The word “donation” is derived from donum, meaning “presented with a gift.” It is taken from the Greek, for the Greeks say dwron kai dwreisvai, that is to say, “a gift and to give.” 2A donation mortis causa, however, differs greatly from a genuine and absolute gift, which is made in such a way that it can, under no circumstances, be revoked; and where he who makes it would rather that the donee should have the property than he himself. On the other hand, he who makes a donation mortis causa thinks of himself and, through his love of life, prefers to keep the property, rather than to give it away. This is the reason why it is commonly said that the donor would rather have the property than allow him to whom he gives it to have it, but that he would rather that he should have it, than that it should pass to his heir. 3Therefore, he who makes a donation mortis causa, so far as his thoughts of himself are concerned, concludes a business transaction; that is to say, he imposes the condition that the property shall be returned to him if he is restored to health. The followers of Cassius entertained no doubt that the property could be recovered, as in the case of an unfinished transaction; for the reason that, where anything is given, it is done either that you may perform some act, or that I may perform one, or that Lucius Titius may do so, or in case some event takes place; and in all these instances, the property may be recovered by an action. 4A donation mortis causa is made in several different ways. Sometimes it is made by a man who is well and has no anticipation of immediate death, who enjoys excellent health, but who reflects that man is liable to die. Sometimes it is made through the fear of death, either on account of present or future danger. For the danger of death may be apprehended on land and sea, in peace and in war, at home as well as in the army. A donation may also be made under the condition that if the donor should die of his illness, the property shall not, under any circumstances, be returned; or that it shall be returned if he should change his mind, and desire it to be restored to him, even before he died of the same illness. A donation can also be made under the condition that it shall not be returned unless the person entitled to it dies before the donor. A donation mortis causa can also be made in such a way that it cannot be recovered in any event, that is, not even if the donor should recover his health. 5If anyone should form a partnership with another for the purpose of making a donation mortis causa, it must be said that the partnership is void. 6When a creditor wishes to make a donation mortis causa to two of his debtors, of what they owe him, and releases one of them from liability, and regains his health, he can sue either one of them that he may select. 7He who stipulates for the payment of a sum of money annually as a donation mortis causa does not resemble the person to whom a legacy, payable annually, has been bequeathed; for although there are many legacies, still there is only one stipulation, and the status of him to whom the promise was made must always be considered.
36 Ulpianus libro octavo ad legem Iuliam et Papiam. Quod condicionis implendae causa datur, licet non ex bonis mortui proficiscitur, capere tamen supra modum non poterit is, cui certum modum ad capiendum lex concessit. certe quod a statulibero condicionis implendae causa datur, indubitate modo lege concesso imputatur: sic tamen, si mortis tempore in peculio id habuit. ceterum si post mortem, vel etiam si alius pro eo dedit, quia non fuit ex his bonis, quae mortis tempore testator habuit, in eadem erunt causa, in qua sunt, quae a legatariis dantur.
36 Ulpianus, On the Lex Julia et Papia, Book VIII. Where anything is given for the purpose of complying with a condition, although it may not be derived from the estate of the deceased, still, he whom the law says shall only receive a certain amount cannot receive a larger sum than that fixed by law. It is certain that where a sum of money is paid by a slave for the purpose of complying with the condition, the amount will be regulated in accordance with that which the legatee is legally entitled to receive, provided the slave had that much in his peculium at the time of his death. If, however, the sum was acquired after his death, or if another person gave it for him, as it did form part of the property which the testator had when he died, the case will be the same as where charges are imposed on legatees.
37 Idem libro quinto decimo ad legem Iuliam et Papiam. Illud generaliter meminisse oportebit donationes mortis causa factas legatis comparatas: quodcumque igitur in legatis iuris est, id in mortis causa donationibus erit accipiendum. 1Iulianus ait: si quis servum mortis causa sibi donatum vendiderit et hoc vivo donatore fecerit, pretii condictionem donator habebit, si convaluisset et hoc donator elegerit. alioquin et ipsum servum restituere compellitur.
37 The Same, On the Lex Julia et Papia, Book XV. Generally speaking, it must be remembered that donations mortis causa are comparable to legacies. Therefore, any rule of law which applies to legacies must be understood also to apply to donations mortis causa. 1Julianus says that if anyone should during the lifetime of the donor sell a slave given to him as a donation mortis causa, the latter will be entitled to a personal action to recover the price, if he should regain his health, and choose to do so; otherwise, the donee will be compelled to return the slave himself.
38 Marcellus libro primo ad legem Iuliam et Papiam. Inter mortis causa donationem et omnia, quae mortis causa quis ceperit, est earum rerum differentia: nam mortis causa donatur quod praesens praesenti dat, mortis causa capi intellegitur et quod non cadit in speciem donationis. etenim cum testamento quis suo Pamphilum servum suum liberum esse iussit, si mihi decem dederit, nihil mihi donasse videbitur, et tamen, si accepero a servo decem, mortis causa accepisse me convenit. idem accidit, quod quis sit heres institutus, si mihi decem dederit: nam accipiendo ab eo, qui heres institutus est, condicionis explendae eius causa, mortis causa capio.
38 Marcellus, On the Lex Julia et Papia, Book I. The following difference exists between a donation mortis causa and other ways by which anyone acquires property by reason of death. A donation mortis causa is made when both parties are present, and anything not included in this kind of a donation, it is understood, may be obtained on account of death. For when a testator, by his will, directs his slave Pamphilus to be free under the condition that he pays me ten aurei, he is not considered to have made me a donation; and nevertheless, if I accept the ten aurei from the slave, it is established that I accept them mortis causa. The same thing happens where an heir is appointed on condition that he pay me ten aurei; as, by accepting the money from him who is appointed heir, I acquire it mortis causa, for the purpose of complying with the condition.
39 Paulus libro septimo decimo ad Plautium. Si is, cui mortis causa servus donatus est, eum manumisit, tenetur condictione in pretium servi, quoniam scit posse sibi condici, si convaluerit donator.
39 Paulus, On Plautius, Book XVII. If he to whom a slave has been donated mortis causa manumits him, he will be liable to an action to recover the value of the slave, as he knows that he can be sued if the donor should regain his health.
40 Papinianus libro vicensimo nono quaestionum. Si mortis causa inter virum et uxorem donatio facta sit, morte secuta reducitur ad id tempus donatio, quo interposita fuisset.
40 Papinianus, Questions, Book XXIX. If a donation mortis causa made between husband and wife takes effect, the donation is referred to the time when it was made.
41 Idem libro secundo responsorum. Quod statuliber uni ex heredibus de peculio dedit, ei qui accepit in Falcidiae rationem venit et in hereditatis petitione, item ex Trebelliano restituitur. ex peculio autem videtur dari, quod statuliber donatum accepit et dedit. et quod ab alio nomine ipsius eo praesente datur, prope est, ut ab ipso datum intellegatur.
41 The Same, Opinions, Book II. Where a slave, who is to be free under the condition of paying a certain sum out of his peculium to one of the heirs to the estate, does so, he must account for that sum as well by reason of the Falcidian Law, as where suit is brought for the estate, and also where restitution is made under the Trebellian Decree of the Senate. What the slave received as a donation, and paid, is considered to have been given out of his peculium, and if it was paid by another in his presence, and in his name, it is understood as having been paid by himself.
42 Idem libro tertio decimo responsorum. Seia cum bonis suis traditionibus factis Titio cognato donationis causa cessisset, usum fructum sibi recepit et convenit, ut, si Titius ante ipsam vita decessisset, proprietas ad eam rediret, si postea superstitibus liberis Titii mortua fuisset, tunc ad eos bona pertinerent. igitur si res singulas heredes Lucii Titii vindicent, doli non inutiliter opponetur exceptio. bonae fidei autem iudicio constituto quaerebatur, an mulier promittere debeat se bona, cum moreretur, filiis Titii restituturam. incurrebat haesitatio non extorquendae donationis, quae nondum in personam filiorum initium acceperat. sed numquid interposita cautione prior donatio, quae dominio translato pridem perfecta est, propter legem in exordio datam retinetur, non secunda promittitur? utrum ergo certae condicionis donatio fuit an quae mortis consilium ac titulum haberet? sed denegari non potest mortis causa factam videri. sequitur, ut soluta priore donatione, quoniam Seia Titio superstes fuit, sequens extorqueri videatur. muliere denique postea diem functa liberi Titii si cautionem ex consensu mulieris acceperint, contributioni propter Falcidiam ex persona sua tenebuntur. 1Cum pater in extremis vitae constitutus emancipato filio quaedam sine ulla condicione redhibendi donasset ac fratres et coheredes eius bonis contribui donationes Falcidiae causa vellent, ius antiquum servandum esse respondi: non enim ad alia constitutionem pertinere, quam quae lege certa donarentur et morte insecuta quodammodo bonis auferrentur spe retinendi perempta: eum autem, qui absolute donaret, non tam mortis causa quam morientem donare.
42 The Same, Opinions, Book XXXII. Seia, having transferred her property to her relative Titius, by way of donation, reserved the usufruct of the same for herself; and it was agreed that if Titius should die before she did, the said property should go to him, and if she died during the lifetime of the children of Titius, it should then belong to them. Hence, if the heirs of Lucius Titius should claim the property, they could not ineffectually be opposed by an exception on the ground of bad faith. However, suit having been brought in good faith, it was asked whether the woman was not obliged to promise to give the property to the children of Titius when he died. Some doubt arose on the point that the donation should not be extorted, where title to it had not yet vested in the children; still, might it not be said that, on account of the security given, the first donation which was perfected by the delivery of the property, and which, being actually given in the beginning, should be perpetuated; and not the second one which was merely promised? Therefore, was the donation made under a certain condition, and should it be so considered, or was it made on account of death? It cannot be denied that it should be considered to have been made mortis causa. The result is that the first donation having been annulled, the second one should be held to have been extorted, as Seia survived Titius. Finally, after the death of the woman, if the children of Titius had accepted the bond with her consent, they would be liable to contribute to the Falcidian portion in proportion to their respective shares. 1Where a father, at the point of death, gave certain property to his emancipated son, without imposing upon him the condition of returning the same, and his brothers and co-heirs desired contribution to be made out of the property, on account of the Falcidian Law, I gave it as my opinion that the ancient rule should be observed, as the new constitution had nothing to do with the other donations, which were made under positive conditions, and, in the case of death, there should be a deduction from the property of the estate, without the heirs having the hope of retaining it; for he who made the gift absolutely did so when dying, rather than as a donation mortis causa.
43 Neratius libro primo responsorum. Fulcinius: inter virum et uxorem mortis causa donationem ita fieri, si donator iustissimum mortis metum habeat. Neratius: sufficere existimationem donantis hanc esse, ut moriturum se putet: quam iuste nec ne susceperit, non quaerendum. quod magis tuendum est.
43 Neratius, Opinions, Book I. Fulcinius: A donation mortis causa can be made between husband and wife, if the donor has an exceedingly well-founded apprehension of death. Neratius: It is sufficient if the donor has a belief of this kind, and thinks that he is going to die, and no inquiry should be made whether his opinion was well grounded or not. This rule should be observed.
44 Paulus libro primo manualium. Si servo mortis causa donatum sit, videamus, cuius mors inspici debeat, ut sit locus condictioni, domini an ipsius servi. sed magis eius inspicienda est, cui donatum esset. sed tamen post mortem ante apertas tabulas testamenti manumissum haec donatio non sequitur.
44 Paulus, Manuals, Book I. Where a donation mortis causa is made to a slave, let us see whose death must be taken into consideration, that is to say, the death of the master, or that of the slave himself, in order that there may be ground for a personal action to recover the property. The better opinion is that the death of the person to whom the donation was made should be considered; still, the donation does not follow the manumitted slave after the death of his master, before the will is opened.