De exceptionibus praescriptionibus et praeiudiciis
(Concerning exceptions, prescriptions, and preliminary inquiries.)
1 Ulpianus libro quarto ad edictum. Agere etiam is videtur, qui exceptione utitur: nam reus in exceptione actor est.
1 Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book IV. He is held to occupy the position of plaintiff who makes use of an exception, for where a defendant has recourse to an exception he becomes a plaintiff.
2 Idem libro septuagensimo quarto ad edictum. Exceptio dicta est quasi quaedam exclusio, quae opponi actioni cuiusque rei solet ad excludendum id, quod in intentionem condemnationemve deductum est. 1Replicationes nihil aliud sunt quam exceptiones, et a parte actoris veniunt: quae quidem ideo necessariae sunt, ut exceptiones excludant: semper enim replicatio idcirco obicitur, ut exceptionem oppugnet. 2Illud tenendum est omnem exceptionem vel replicationem exclusoriam esse: exceptio actorem excludit, replicatio reum. 3Sed et contra replicationem solet dari triplicatio, et contra triplicationem rursus et deinceps multiplicantur nomina, dum aut reus aut actor obicit. 4Sane solemus dicere quasdam exceptiones esse dilatorias, quasdam peremptorias: ut puta dilatoria est exceptio, quae differt actionem, veluti procuratoria exceptio dilatoria est: nam qui dicit non licere procuratorio nomine agi, non prorsus litem infitiatur, sed personam evitat.
2 The Same, On the Edict, Book LXXIV. An exception is so called for the reason that it operates as an exclusion, and is ordinarily opposed to proceedings to collect a claim, for the purpose of barring the statement of the same as well as judgment in favor of the party who brings the suit. 1Replications are nothing more than exceptions pleaded by the party plaintiff, which are necessary in order to bar exceptions; for a replication is always introduced for the purpose of opposing an exception. 2It must be remembered that every exception, or replication, is for the purpose of preventing the opposite party from proceeding further. An exception bars the plaintiff, and a replication bars the defendant. 3It is customary for a triplication to be granted against the replication, and other pleas to follow in order and, after this, the names are multiplied, whether the defendant or the plaintiff interposes an objection. 4We usually say that some exceptions are dilatory, and others peremptory; as, for instance, a dilatory exception is one which postpones the action, thus one denying the authority of an agent is a dilatory exception. For he who alleges that anyone has not the power to act as an attorney does not deny that the action should be brought, but maintains that the person who brings it is not qualified to do so.
3 Gaius libro primo ad edictum provinciale. Exceptiones aut perpetuae et peremptoriae sunt aut temporales et dilatoriae. perpetuae atque peremptoriae sunt, quae semper locum habent nec evitari possunt, qualis est doli mali et rei iudicatae et si quid contra legem senatusve consultum factum esse dicetur, item pacti conventi perpetui, id est ne omnino pecunia petatur. temporales atque dilatoriae sunt, quae non semper locum habent, sed evitari possunt, qualis est pacti conventi temporalis, id est ne forte intra quinquennium ageretur: procuratoriae quoque exceptiones dilatoriae sunt, quae evitari possunt.
3 Gaius, On the Provincial Edict, Book I. Exceptions are either perpetual and peremptory, or temporary and dilatory. Those are perpetual and peremptory which will always lie, and cannot be avoided; for example, those based on fraud and res judicata, and where anything is alleged to have been done against the laws or decrees of the Senate; also such as are applicable in the case of an informal agreement, that is to say, such as provide that the money due shall, under no circumstances, be collected. Exceptions are temporary and dilatory which cannot be brought at any time, and can be avoided; and of this description is a temporary agreement between the parties under which an action cannot be brought for a specified period, for instance, within five years. Exceptions by which the action of an agent is barred, and which can be avoided, are also dilatory.
4 Paulus libro vicensimo ad edictum. In pupillo, cui soluta est debita pecunia sine tutoris auctoritate, si quaeratur, an doli exceptione summoveri debeat, illud tempus inspicitur, an pecuniam vel ex ea aliquid habeat, quo petit.
4 Paulus, On the Edict, Book XX. If the question is asked whether a ward can be barred by an exception on the ground of fraud, where money which was due to him has been paid without the authority of his guardian, and he demands payment a second time, it must be ascertained whether, when he makes the demand, he still has the money, or has purchased something with it.
5 Idem libro octavo decimo ad edictum. Is, qui [ed. maior dicit] <ed. minor dicet> se iurasse, potest et aliis exceptionibus uti cum exceptione iurisiurandi vel aliis solis: pluribus enim defensionibus uti permittitur.
5 The Same, On the Edict, Book XVIII. A defendant who alleges that he has already sworn in court that he does not owe the money for which he is sued, can avail himself of all other exceptions in addition to that based on taking the oath, or of the rest of them without it; for he is permitted to make use of several defences.
6 Idem libro septuagensimo primo ad edictum. Si rem legatam petat legatarius, de dolo testatoris excipitur: nam sicut heres, qui in universum ius succedit, summovetur exceptione, ita et legatarius debet summoveri quasi unius rei successor.
6 The Same, On the Edict, Book LXXI. If a legatee brings an action to recover the property bequeathed, an exception based on the fraud of the testator can be pleaded against him; for, just as an heir who succeeds to the entire estate can be barred by an exception, so a legatee can also be barred as the successor of an individual part of the same.
7 Idem libro tertio ad Plautium. Exceptiones, quae personae cuiusque cohaerent, non transeunt ad alios, veluti ea quam socius habet exceptionem ‘quod facere possit’, vel parens patronusve, non competit fideiussori: sic mariti fideiussor post solutum matrimonium datus in solidum dotis nomine condemnatur. 1Rei autem cohaerentes exceptiones etiam fideiussoribus competunt, ut rei iudicatae, doli mali, iurisiurandi, quod metus causa factum est. igitur et si reus pactus sit in rem, omnimodo competit exceptio fideiussori. intercessionis quoque exceptio, item quod libertatis onerandae causa petitur, etiam fideiussori competit. idem dicitur et si pro filio familias contra senatus consultum quis fideiusserit, aut pro minore viginti quinque annis circumscripto: quod si deceptus sit in re, tunc nec ipse ante habet auxilium, quam restitutus fuerit, nec fideiussori danda est exceptio.
7 The Same, On Plautius, Book III. Exceptions to which certain persons are entitled do not pass to others; as, for instance, where a partner, a father, or a patron, can plead an exception to have judgment rendered against him only for the amount which he is able to pay; this privilege is not granted to a surety. Hence the surety of a husband, who was given after the marriage has been dissolved, will have judgment rendered against him for the entire amount of the dowry. 1Exceptions which have reference to property can, however, also be pleaded by sureties; for example those based on res judicata, fraud, and where an oath has been exacted, if this was done under duress. Therefore, if the principal debtor entered into an agreement concerning the property, his surety will, by all means, be entitled to an exception. An exception based upon the appearance of a surety, on the ground that the claim will prejudice the right of freedom, can also be employed by him. The same must be said where anyone has become surety for a son under paternal control in violation of the Decree of the Senate, or for a minor of twenty-five years of age, who has been defrauded. If, however, he has been deceived with reference to the property, he will not be entitled to relief before he obtains restitution, and an exception should not be granted the surety.
8 Idem libro quarto decimo ad Plautium. Nemo prohibetur pluribus exceptionibus uti, quamvis diversae sunt.
8 The Same, On Plautius, Book XIV. No one is forbidden to avail himself of several exceptions, even though they may be different in their character.
9 Marcellus libro tertio digestorum. Non utique existimatur confiteri de intentione adversarii is quocum agitur, quia exceptione utitur.
9 Marcellus, Digest, Book III. An adversary is not considered to admit the claim of the other party, merely because he has recourse to an exception.
10 Modestinus libro duodecimo responsorum. Modestinus respondit: res inter alios iudicata aliis non obest, nec si is, contra quem iudicatum est, heres exstiterit ei, contra quem nihil pronuntiatum est, [ed. maior hereditariam] <ed. minor hereditarium> ei litem inferenti praescribi ex ea sententia posse, quam proprio nomine disceptans, antequam heres exstiterit, excepit.
10 Modestinus, Opinions, Book XII. Modestinus gave it as his opinion that a judgment obtained by others does not prejudice those who were not parties to the suit; and even if he, against whom judgment was rendered, should become the heir of the person who gained the case, an exception, based on the fact that, under this judgment, he has failed to effect what he undertook in his own name before he became the heir, cannot be pleaded against him.
11 Idem libro tertio decimo responsorum. Qui adgnitis instrumentis, quasi vera essent, solvit post sententiam iudicis, quaero, si postea cognita rei veritate et repertis falsis instrumentis accusare velit et probare falsa esse instrumenta, ex quibus conveniebatur, cum instrumentis subscripserat ex praecepto sive interlocutione iudicis, an praescriptio ei opponi possit? cum et principalibus constitutionibus manifeste cavetur, etsi res iudicata esset ex falsis instrumentis, si postea falsa inveniantur, nec rei iudicatae praescriptionem opponi. Modestinus respondit ob hoc, quod per errorem solutio facta est vel cautio de solvendo interposita proponitur ex his instrumentis, quae nunc falsa dicuntur, praescriptioni locum non esse.
11 The Same, Opinions, Book XIII. A man acknowledged as genuine certain notes which were, in fact, forged, and paid them after judgment was rendered against him. I ask, if the truth should subsequently be ascertained, and the notes found to be forged, and the defendant should desire to prove this in accordance with the order of the court, or an interlocutory decree; and, as he had admitted the genuineness of the said notes, whether he could be opposed by an exception, as it is clearly established by the Imperial Constitutions that although a judgment may be obtained by means of forged documents, and they are afterwards ascertained to be false, the fact that the matter has been decided cannot be pleaded in bar. Modestinus answered that, for the reason that payment was made through mistake, or security was furnished in the case of these notes, which were afterwards alleged to be forged, there would be no ground for an exception.
12 Ulpianus libro trigensimo octavo ad edictum. Generaliter in praeiudiciis is actoris partes sustinet, qui habet intentionem secundum id quod intendit.
12 Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book XXXVIII. Generally speaking, in questions dependent on preliminary decisions, he sustains the part of a plaintiff whose claim is in accordance with what he demands.
13 Iulianus libro quinquagensimo digestorum. Si post litem de hereditate contestatam res singulae petantur, placet non obstare exceptionem ‘quod praeiudicium hereditati non fiat’: futuri enim iudicii, non facti nomine huiusmodi exceptiones comparatae sunt.
13 Julianus, Digest, Book L. If, after judgment has been pronounced in a case involving an entire estate, suit is brought to recover certain specified articles, it is settled that an exception on the ground that the estate will be prejudged cannot be pleaded in bar, for the reason that exceptions of this kind are introduced because they may affect a future decree, if not the one which has already been rendered.
14 Alfenus Varus libro secundo digestorum. Filius familias peculiarem servum vendidit, pretium stipulatus est: is homo redhibitus et postea mortuus est. et pater eius pecuniam ab emptore petebat, quam filius stipulatus erat. placuit aequum esse in factum exceptionem eum obicere: ‘quod pecunia ob hominem illum expromissa est, qui redhibitus est’.
14 Alfenus Varus, Digest, Book II. A son under paternal control sold a slave forming part of his peculium, and a stipulation was made for the price. The slave was returned under a conditional clause of the contract and afterwards died, and the father demanded from the purchaser the money which the son had stipulated should be paid to him. It was decided to be just that an exception in factum should be pleaded against him, setting forth that the money had been promised for the slave who had afterwards been returned under a condition of the contract.
15 Iulianus libro quarto ad Urseium Ferocem. Adversus exceptionem iurisiurandi replicatio doli mali non debet dari, cum praetor id agere debet, ne de iureiurando cuiusquam quaeratur.
15 Julianus, On Urseius Ferox, Book IV. A replication alleging bad faith should not be pleaded against an exception founded upon an oath taken in court, as the Prætor should see that no question is subsequently raised with reference to such an oath.
16 Africanus libro nono quaestionum. Fundum Titianum possides, de cuius proprietate inter me et te controversia est, et dico praeterea viam ad eum per fundum Sempronianum, quem tuum esse constat, deberi. si viam petam, exceptionem ‘quod praeiudicium praedio non fiat’ utilem tibi fore putavit, videlicet quod non aliter viam mihi deberi probaturus sim, quam prius probaverim fundum Titianum meum esse.
16 Africanus, Questions, Book IX. You are in possession of the Titian Estate, and you and I have a lawsuit with reference to the ownership of the same. I allege that there is due to this estate a right of way through the Sempronian Estate, which belongs to you. If I bring suit to recover the right of way, it is held that you can avail yourself of an exception on the ground that the action pending for the ownership of the property ought not to be prejudged; that is to say, that I cannot show that I am entitled to the right of way before I have proved that the Titian Estate is mine.
17 Paulus libro septuagensimo ad edictum. Sed si ante viam, deinde fundum Titianum petat, quia et diversa corpora sunt et causae restitutionum dispares, non nocebit exceptio.
17 Paulus, On the Edict, Book LXX. If, however, I bring an action to recover the right of way, and afterwards one to recover the Titian Estate, as the objects of the litigation are distinct, and the reasons for restitution different, the exception will cause no injury.
18 Africanus libro nono quaestionum. Fundi, quem tu proprium tuum esse dicis, partem a te peto et volo simul iudicio quoque communi dividundo agere sub eodem iudice: item si eius fundi, quem tu possideas et ego proprium meum esse dicam, fructus condicere tibi velim: quaesitum est an exceptio ‘quod praeiudicium fundo partive eius non fiat’ obstet an deneganda sit. et utrubique putat intervenire praetorem debere nec permittere petitori, priusquam de proprietate constet, huiusmodi iudiciis experiri.
18 Africanus, Questions, Book IX. I bring an action against you for half of a tract of land which you say is yours, and I wish, at the same time, to bring one in partition against you before the same judge. Again, if I allege that a tract of land of which you are in possession is mine, and I wish to recover the crops from you, the question arises whether an exception based on the principle that I ought not to bring a suit, the decision of which will prejudge the case which involves the ownership of all, or a part of the land in question, will operate as a bar, or should be denied. It is held that, in both instances, the Prætor should intervene, and not permit the plaintiff to institute proceedings of this kind, before the question of the ownership of the land has been determined.
19 Marcianus libro tertio decimo institutionum. Omnes exceptiones, quae reo competunt, fideiussori quoque etiam invito reo competunt.
19 Marcianus, Institutes, Book XIII. All exceptions to which the principal debtor is entitled can also be employed by his surety, even against the consent of the former.
20 Paulus libro singulari de conceptione formularum. Exceptiones opponuntur aut quia factum sit quod fieri oportet aut quia factum sit quod fieri non oportuit, aut quia factum non sit quod fieri debuerat. quia factum est, quod fieri oportuit, datur exceptio rei venditae et traditae et rei iudicatae: quia factum est, quod fieri non oportuit, datur exceptio doli mali: quia non factum est, quod fieri debuit, ut bonorum possessionis non datae.
20 Paulus, On the Manner of Drawing up Formulas. Exceptions are pleaded either because the party did what he should have done; or because he did what he ought not to have done; or because he did not do what he should have done. An exception on the ground of property sold and delivered, or on that of res judicata, is granted for the reason that something has been done which ought to have been done. An exception on the ground of fraud is granted, because something has been done which ought not to have been done. An exception on the ground that prætorian possession of property which has been given has not been permitted, is granted because something was not done which should be done.
21 Neratius libro quarto membranarum. Rei maioris pecuniae praeiudicium fieri videtur, cum ea quaestio in iudicium deducitur, quae vel tota vel ex aliqua parte communis est quaestioni de re maiori.
21 Neratius, Parchments, Book IV. One action is said to prejudge another, with reference to a larger sum of money, when a question arises in court which is connected either wholly, or in part, with a suit involving a larger amount of property.
22 Paulus libro singulari de variis lectionibus. Exceptio est condicio, quae modo eximit reum damnatione, modo minuit damnationem. 1Replicatio est contraria exceptio, quasi exceptionis exceptio.
23 Labeo libro sexto pithanon a Paulo epitomatorum. Paulus: si quis statuam in municipio ea mente posuit, ut ea municipii esset, et eam petere vult, excludi eum oportet praescriptione in factum data.
23 Labeo, Epitomes of Probabilities by Paulus, Book III. Paulus: If anyone places a statue in a city with the intention that it shall belong to the city, and afterwards desires to claim it in court, he can be barred by an exception in factum.
24 Hermogenianus libro sexto iuris epitomarum. Filius familias exceptionem iurisiurandi patri quaerit, si eum dare non oportere iuraverit.
24 Hermogenianus, Epitomes of Law, Book VII. A son under paternal control can acquire for his father an exception on the ground of an oath having been taken, if he swears in court that his father does not owe anything.