The term “conubium” in Latin refers to the legal ability to enter into marriage and encompasses the various rights associated with a marriage between eligible individuals. In Roman law, conubium encompasses the right to marry Roman citizens and encompasses the specific regulations and consequences that accompany a Roman marriage. One significant aspect of conubium is the authority that fathers possess over their children, known as patria potestas. In essence, conubium encompasses the distinct privileges that Roman citizens enjoy in regards to familial connections.
Conubium, pronounced kuh-NOO-bee-um, is a term derived from Roman law that denotes the legal ability to marry and the bundle of entitlements associated with marriage between individuals who possess the capacity to wed. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin words “con,” meaning “together,” and “nubere,” meaning “to marry.” In ancient Rome, not everyone possessed the privilege of conubium. Solely Roman citizens were permitted to marry fellow Roman citizens and have their marital union recognized by the state. Consequently, if a Roman citizen desired to wed a non-citizen, they would lack conubium, rendering their marriage legally unrecognized. Furthermore, conubium entailed specific rights and obligations. For instance, if a Roman citizen entered into matrimony and had offspring, the father retained lifelong authority over his children through the legal concept known as patria potestas. This distinctive aspect of Roman law was a direct consequence of conubium. In summary, conubium encompasses the legal capacity to marry and the accompanying rights and responsibilities. The provided examples elucidate the functioning of conubium in ancient Rome and its restriction to Roman citizens. The notion of patria potestas demonstrates how conubium influenced familial relationships and power dynamics within a family. Overall, conubium held great significance in Roman law and exerted a profound impact on the lives of Roman citizens.
Conubium is a legal term used in Roman law to refer to the legal capacity to enter into a valid marriage.
Conubium specifically refers to the legal capacity to marry, while marriage is the actual act of entering into a marital union.
In Roman law, conubium was initially restricted to Roman citizens. However, over time, it was extended to include certain non-citizens as well.
Yes, certain non-citizens, such as freed slaves and foreigners who obtained special permission, could acquire conubium.
No, conubium did not grant individuals the freedom to marry anyone they chose. There were certain restrictions based on social status, age, and other factors.
If someone without conubium attempted to marry, the marriage would be considered invalid and legally void.
Yes, conubium could be lost in certain circumstances, such as through the commission of certain crimes or by becoming a slave.
In some cases, conubium could be regained after it was lost. For example, if a person was freed from slavery, they could regain their conubium.
Yes, conubium played a role in determining inheritance rights. Only individuals with conubium could inherit property from their spouse.
No, conubium is a concept specific to Roman law and is not applicable in modern legal systems. Marriage laws and requirements vary across different jurisdictions today.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.
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