Stellionatus
(Concerning stellionatus.)
1 Papinianus libro primo responsorum. Actio stellionatus neque publicis iudiciis neque privatis actionibus continetur.
1 Papinianus, Opinions, Book I. The action of Stellionatus is not included in public prosecutions or in private actions.
2 Ulpianus libro octavo ad Sabinum. Stellionatus iudicium famosum quidem non est, sed coercitionem extraordinariam habet.
2 Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book VIII. A judgment for this offence does not brand anyone with infamy, but it is followed by extraordinary punishment.
3 Idem libro octavo de officio proconsulis. Stellionatus accusatio ad praesidis cognitionem spectat. 1Stellionatum autem obici posse his, qui dolo quid fecerunt, sciendum est, scilicet si aliud crimen non sit quod obiciatur: quod enim in privatis iudiciis est de dolo actio, hoc in criminibus stellionatus persecutio. ubicumque igitur titulus criminis deficit, illic stellionatus obiciemus. maxime autem in his locum habet: si quis forte rem alii obligatam dissimulata obligatione per calliditatem alii distraxerit vel permutaverit vel in solutum dederit: nam hae omnes species stellionatum continent. sed et si quis merces supposuerit vel obligatas averterit vel si corruperit, aeque stellionatus reus erit. item si quis imposturam fecerit vel collusionem in necem alterius, stellionatus poterit postulari. et ut generaliter dixerim, deficiente titulo criminis hoc crimen locum habet, nec est opus species enumerare. 2Poena autem stellionatus nulla legitima est, cum nec legitimum crimen sit. solent autem ex hoc extra ordinem plecti, dummodo non debeat opus metalli haec poena in plebeis egredi. in his autem, qui sunt in aliquo honore positi, ad tempus relegatio vel ab ordine motio remittenda est. 3Qui merces suppressit, specialiter hoc crimine postulari potest.
3 The Same, On the Duties of Proconsul, Book III. The accusation of Stellionatus comes within the jurisdiction of the Governor. 1It must be remembered that those who have committed any fraudulent act can be prosecuted for this crime, that is to say, if there is no other of which they can be accused, for what in private law gives rise to an action for fraud is the basis for a criminal prosecution in an accusation of Stellionatus. Hence, whenever where the offence lacks a name, we designate it Stellionatus. Especially, however, does this apply to anyone who exchanges or gives property in payment through deceit, where the property has been encumbered to another, and he conceals the fact; for all instances of this kind include stellionatus. And, where anyone has substituted some article for another; or has put aside goods which he was obliged to deliver, or has spoiled them, he is also liable for this offence. Likewise, if anyone has been guilty of imposture, or has been in collusion to bring about the death of another, he can be prosecuted for Stellionatus. And, generally speaking, I should say that where the name of any crime is wanting, an accusation for this offence can be brought, but it is not necessary to enumerate the different instances. 2No punishment, however, is legally prescribed for Stellionatus, since, under the law, it is not a crime. It is, however, customary for it to be punished arbitrarily, provided that, in the case of plebeians, the penalty inflicted is not more severe than that of condemnation to the mines. But, in the case of those who occupy a higher position, the sentence of temporary exile, or expulsion from their order should be imposed. 3Anyone who has fraudulently concealed merchandise can be specially prosecuted for this crime.
4 Modestinus libro tertio de poenis. De periurio, si sua pignora esse quis in instrumento iuravit, crimen stellionatus fit, et ideo ad tempus exulat.
4 Modestinus, On Punishments, Book III. When anyone swears in a written instrument that property pledged belongs to him, thereby committing perjury, it becomes Stellionatus, and therefore the culprit should be sent into temporary exile.