Define: Pactum

Pactum
Pactum
Quick Summary of Pactum

A pactum is a legally enforceable agreement or convention that is not as strong as a contract. There are various types of pacta, including pactum de constituto, which is an informal agreement to pay an existing debt at a fixed time, and pactum de non petendo, which is an agreement in which a creditor promises not to enforce the debt. Other types include pactum corvinum de hereditate viventis, which concerns the succession of one still living, and pactum de retrovendendo, which concerns the selling back of an object.

Full Definition Of Pactum

Pactum, a Latin term used in Roman and civil law, refers to an agreement or convention that does not meet the requirements of a contract. It is commonly a less formal agreement, also known as a pact, and can take on different forms. One example is pactum constitutae pecuniae, which is an informal agreement to pay a fixed sum of money. This type of agreement can be used to settle an existing debt, whether it is one’s own or someone else’s, at a specific time. The praetor had the authority to enforce this agreement, and Justinian expanded its scope to include debts of any kind. Another example is pactum de non petendo, which is an agreement not to pursue legal action. In this agreement, a creditor promises not to enforce the debt. Lastly, there is pactum de retrovendendo, which is an agreement related to the repurchase of an item. It grants the seller the right to buy back the sold item within a specified period and at a fixed price. These examples demonstrate the versatility of pactum, as it can encompass various types of agreements that do not meet the criteria of a formal contract.

Pactum FAQ'S

A pactum is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that outlines the terms and conditions of their relationship or transaction.

Yes, pactums are generally enforceable in court as long as they meet the requirements of a valid contract, such as mutual consent, consideration, and legality of the subject matter.

In most cases, a pactum can be oral and still be legally binding. However, certain agreements, such as those involving real estate or contracts that cannot be performed within one year, must be in writing to be enforceable.

Yes, a pactum can be modified or terminated if all parties involved agree to the changes and follow the necessary legal procedures. It is advisable to document any modifications or terminations in writing to avoid future disputes.

If one party breaches a pactum, the non-breaching party may be entitled to various remedies, such as monetary damages, specific performance, or cancellation of the agreement. The specific remedies available will depend on the nature of the breach and the terms of the pactum.

No, a pactum that includes illegal provisions or violates public policy will generally not be enforceable in court. It is important to ensure that the terms of the pactum comply with applicable laws and regulations.

If one party was coerced or under duress at the time of entering into the pactum, it may be considered voidable. The aggrieved party can seek to have the pactum set aside if they can prove that their consent was obtained through improper means.

In some cases, a pactum can be assigned to another party with the consent of all parties involved. However, certain agreements may contain provisions that restrict or prohibit assignment. It is important to review the terms of the pactum to determine if assignment is allowed.

If one party lacked the mental capacity to understand the terms and consequences of the pactum at the time of entering into it, the agreement may be considered voidable. The party lacking capacity or their legal representative can seek to have the pactum set aside.

If a pactum was entered into under fraudulent circumstances, such as misrepresentation or concealment of material facts, the aggrieved party may have grounds to have the agreement set aside. It is important to gather evidence of the fraud and consult with a legal professional for guidance.

Related Phrases
No related content found.
Disclaimer

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: 17th April 2024.

Cite Term

To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.

  • Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/pactum/
  • Modern Language Association (MLA):Pactum. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/pactum/.
  • Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Pactum. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/pactum/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
  • American Psychological Association (APA):Pactum. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/pactum/
Avatar of DLS Solicitors
DLS Solicitors : Divorce Solicitors

Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.

All author posts