Order Description

Consider whether the law shaped patterns of behavior or the reverse in Ancient Roman Society from the perspective of Roman Family Law

Examine whether Roman family law appeared to drive change in Roman people’s behavior (eg, Augustan marriage laws) or responded to changes in society (movement from manus to sine manu marriage) etc or some combination. The discussion should include points on the historical development and general features of the Roman family, including the concept of Roman marriage; marriage cum manu and marriage sine manu. Dowry (dos) and donatio ante nuptias. Divorce (divortium). Patria potestas. Tutorship (tutela impuberum and tutela mulierum) and guardianship (cura).

Refer to secondary sources (modern texts) and also the primary materials (Roman law texts such as Justinian’s Digest) as reference material