De tigno iuncto
(Concerning the theft of timbers joined to a building.)
1 Ulpianus libro trigensimo septimo ad edictum. Lex duodecim tabularum neque solvere permittit tignum furtivum aedibus vel vineis iunctum neque vindicare (quod providenter lex effecit, ne vel aedificia sub hoc praetextu diruantur vel vinearum cultura turbetur): sed in eum, qui convictus est iunxisse, in duplum dat actionem. 1Tigni autem appellatione continetur omnis materia, ex qua aedificium constet, vineaeque necessaria. unde quidam aiunt tegulam quoque et lapidem et testam ceteraque, si qua aedificiis sunt utilia (tigna enim a tegendo dicta sunt), hoc amplius et calcem et harenam tignorum appellatione contineri. sed et in vineis tigni appellatione omnia vineis necessaria continentur, ut puta perticae pedamenta. 2Sed et ad exhibendum danda est actio: nec enim parci oportet ei, qui sciens alienam rem aedificio inclusit vinxitve: non enim sic eum convenimus quasi possidentem, sed ita, quasi dolo malo fecerit, quo minus possideat.
1 Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book XXXVII. The Law of the Twelve Tables does not permit a beam which has been stolen to be detached from a house, or a stake to be removed from a vine, or an action be brought for its recovery; which provision has been prudently established by the law to prevent buildings from being demolished, or the culture of vines being interfered with, under this pretext. But where anyone is convicted of having united these things, the law grants an action for double damages against him. 1In the term “beam” are included all the materials of which a house is composed, and everything necessary for vines. Wherefore, certain authorities hold that tiles, stone, brick, and other materials which are useful in building (for the word beam is derived from the verb to cover), as well as lime and sand, are embraced in this appellation. Also, in the case of vines, everything required for their cultivation is included under this term, as, for instance, stakes and props. 2An action for the production of property is, however, granted, for he cannot be indulged who, knowing property to belong to another, includes it in, or joins it to, or connects it with his own building, for we do not sue as the possessor, but as one who has committed fraud to avoid being in possession.
2 Idem libro quadragensimo secundo ad Sabinum. Sed si proponas tigni furtivi nomine aedibus iuncti actum, deliberari poterit, an extrinsecus sit rei vindicatio. et esse non dubito.
2 The Same, On Sabinus, Book XLII. If, however, you suppose that suit has been brought for stolen timbers joined to a house, the question may arise whether an action for the recovery of the property will lie independently. I do not doubt that it will.