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V. Concerning the Penalties to which those are Liable who attempt to Repudiate their Written Contracts 65

VI. Contracts and Agreements made by Slaves are Invalid, unless Ordered by Their Masters 65

VII. Concerning Dishonorable and Illegal Contracts 66

VIII. No One shall be Liable in Person or Property, under the Terms of any Contract, where Deception has been Practised; nor shall He be Liable to any Penalty provided by the same 66

IX. Every Obligation, or Contract, which has been Extorted by Force, or Fear, shall be Void 66

X. What Contracts entered into by Minors shall be Valid 66

XI. How Wills shall be Drawn Up and Proved 67

XII. How the Wills of those who Die during a Journey shall be Proved 68

XIII. A Will must be Published in the Presence of a Priest, or of Witnesses, within Six Months 69

XIV. Concerning the Comparison of Handwriting where Doubt attaches to any Document 69

XV. Concerning Holographic Wills 70

XVI. Concerning the Comparison of Documents, and the Infliction of Penalties prescribed by Wills 70

XVII. No Testator shall be Permitted to Dispose of Property in One Way, in the Presence of Witnesses, and in Another by a Written Will 72

BOOK III.

CONCERNING MARRIAGE.

Title I.—Concerning Nuptial Contracts.

I. Marriage shall not be Entered Into without a Dowry 75

II. It shall be as Lawful for a Roman Woman to Marry a Goth, as for a Gothic Woman to Marry a Roman 76

III. Where a Girl Marries against the Will of her Father, while she is Betrothed to Another 76

IV. When a Gift is made by way of Pledge, a Nuptial Contract cannot be Rescinded 77

V. Women Advanced in Years shall not Marry Young Men 77

VI. What Property the Dowry shall consist of 79

VII. The Father shall Exact, and Keep, the Dowry of his Daughter 79

VIII. In case of the Death of the Father, the Disposition of the Children of both Sexes, in Marriage, shall belong to the Mother 81

IX. Where Brothers Defer the Marriage of their Sister, or Where a Girl Marries Beneath her Station 81

X. Where the Items of a Dowry, relating to any kind of Property, are reduced to Writing, it shall not be Contested 82

Title II.—Concerning Unlawful Marriages.

I. Where a Woman Marries within a Year after the Death of her Husband 83

II. Where a Freeborn Woman Marries a Slave, or her own Freedman 83

III. Where a Freeborn Woman Marries the Slave of Another, or a Freeborn Man the Female Slave of Another 84

IV. Where a Freedwoman, or a Freedman, Marries the Slave of Another 85

V. Where Anyone gives in Marriage his Slave, of Either Sex, to the Slave of Another 85

VI. Where a Woman contracts a Second Marriage in the Absence of her Husband 86

VII. Where a Master Marries one of his Slaves to a Freewoman declaring him to be a Freeman 86

VIII. Where a Freewoman Marries without the Consent of her Parents 87

Title III.—Concerning the Rape of Virgins, or Widows.

I. Where a Freeman carries off a Freewoman by Force, he shall not be permitted to Marry her, if she was a Virgin 88

II. Where Parents remove their Daughter from the Power of a Ravisher 89

III. Where the Parents of a Girl, who has been Betrothed, consent that she should be Carried Away by Another 90

IV. Where Brothers, either during the Life of their Father, or after his Death, consent that Anyone should Carry Away their Sister by Force 90

V. Where Anyone Carries Away by Violence a Woman who was Betrothed to Another 90

VI. Where a Ravisher is Killed 91

VII. Within what Time it is Lawful to Prosecute a Ravisher; and Whether any Marriage Contract can be entered into with Him by the Girl or her Parents 91

VIII. Where a Slave carries off a Freewoman by Force 92

IX. Where a Slave carries off a Freedwoman by Force 92

X. Where a Slave carries off the Female Slave of Another by Force 92

XI. Concerning those who Deceive Girls, or the Wives of Others, or Widows; and Concerning those who Compel by Force, and without the Royal Command, any Freeborn Girl or Widow to take a Husband 93

XII. Concerning Freemen and Slaves who are Proved to have been Implicated in the Crime of Rape 93

Title IV.—Concerning Adultery.

I. Where a Woman Commits Adultery, with or without the Connivance of her Husband 95

II. Where a Girl or a Woman who has been Betrothed, is found Guilty of Adultery 95

III. Concerning the Adultery of a Wife 96

IV. Where an Adulterer, along with an Adulteress, are Killed 96

V. Where her Father, or her Relatives, Kill a Girl who has been Guilty of Adultery in their House 96

VI. It is not Lawful for Slaves to put Persons to Death who are taken in Adultery 97

VII. Where a Girl, or a Widow, goes to the House of Another, in order to Commit Adultery, and the Man should wish to Marry Her 97

VIII. Where a Freeborn Woman commits Adultery with Anyone 97

IX. Where a Freeborn Woman commits Adultery with the Husband of Another 98

X. Slaves of Both Sexes may be Tortured to Reveal the Adultery of their Masters 98

XI. Whether it shall be Lawful to set a Slave at Liberty, in order to Conceal the Crime of Adultery 98

XII. Concerning the Property of Persons who have Committed Adultery 99

XIII. Concerning those Persons who have a Right to bring Accusations of Adultery, and what Proof of the Crime should be Made 100

XIV. Where a Freedman, or a Slave, has been Convicted of having committed Adultery, with Violence, upon a Freeborn Virgin, or Widow 101

XV. Where a Freeman, or a Slave, without the Knowledge his Master, commits Adultery with the Female Slave of Another 102

XVI. Where a Female Slave is proved to have committed Adultery with Another by Force 102

XVII. Concerning Freeborn Women, or Female Slaves, of Bad Character, and Where Judges Refuse to Investigate, or Punish their Crimes 102

XVIII. Concerning the Impurity of Priests and other Ministers of Religion 104

Title V.—Concerning Incest, Apostacy, and Pederasty.

I. Concerning Incestuous and Adulterous Marriages in General 106

II. Concerning Incestuous and Adulterous Marriages and Debauchery, either with Holy Virgins, or with Widows and other Women while doing Penance 107

III. Concerning Men and Women who Illegally Assume the Tonsure and Dress of Religious Orders 108

IV. Concerning the Restraint of Fraud Peculiar to Widows 109

V. Concerning Pederasty 110

VI. Concerning Sodomy, and the Manner in which the Law should be Enforced 111

VII. Concerning Adultery committed with the Concubine of a Father or a Brother 111

Title VI.—Concerning Divorce, and the Separation of Persons who have been Betrothed.

I. Where a Woman, justly or unjustly, is Separated from her Husband 113

II. There shall be No Divorce between Married Persons 114

III. There shall be No Divorce between Persons who are Betrothed 116

BOOK IV.

CONCERNING NATURAL LINEAGE.

Title I.—Concerning the Degrees of Relationship.

I. The Nature of the First Degree 117

II. The Affinity of the Second Degree 117

III. The Relationship of the Third Degree 118

IV. The Consanguinity of the Fourth Degree 118

V. The Origin of the Fifth Degree 118

VI. The Limits of the Sixth Degree 119

VII. The Persons in the Seventh Degree who are not Mentioned by the Laws 119

Title II.—Concerning the Laws of Inheritance.

I. Brothers and Sisters shall Share Equally in the Inheritance of their Parents 121

II. The Children shall Come First in the Order of Succession 121

III. Where there are no Heirs in the Direct Line, Collateral Heirs shall Inherit the Property 121

IV. Who shall Succeed to the Property of Those who have left no Written Wills, or have made no Disposition of their Possessions in the Presence of Witnesses 121

V. Concerning Inheritance by Brothers and Sisters, and by such of these as are not descended from the same Parents 122

VI. Where he who Dies leaves Grandfathers or Grandmothers 122

VII. Where he who Dies leaves Aunts 122

VIII. Where he who Dies leaves Nephews 122

IX. A Woman shall be entitled to a Share in an Entire Inheritance 123

X. As a Woman has a Right to a Share of an Entire Inheritance, so he who is next in Succession shall inherit the Remainder of the Property 123

XI. Concerning the Inheritance of Husband and Wife, Respectively 123

XII. Concerning the Inheritance of Property from Clerks and Monks 123

XIII. After the Death of their Mother, Children shall remain under Control of their Father; and What Disposition he shall make of their Property 123

XIV. Where a Mother remains a Widow, she shall have an Equal Portion of the Inheritance with her Children; and How a Mother ought to Dispose of the Property of her Children 125

XV. No Wife can lay Claim to what her Husband has Gained by the Labor of her Slaves 126

XVI. Concerning such Property as the Husband and Wife together have Accumulated during their Married Life 126

XVII. In what way a Child may Inherit Property 127

XVIII. How the Parents of a Child can Inherit from Him 128

XIX. Concerning Posthumous Children 129

XX. He who leaves no Children, has full Power to Dispose of his Property as he Pleases 130

Title III.—Concerning Wards and Their Guardians.

I. What a Minor Is 131

II. From what date Time is to be Computed in Bringing Lawsuits relating to Minors 131

III. How the Guardianship of Wards should be Entered upon; what Portion of their Property they shall Receive, and what Portion shall be given to their Guardians 132

IV. Guardians shall have no Right to Exact from Wards in their Charge any Instruments in Writing whatever 133

Title IV.—Concerning Foundlings.

I. Where anyone Casts Away, or Abandons, a Freeborn Child, he shall Serve as its Slave 135

II. Where a Male or Female Slave shall be Proved to have Cast Away a Child, with or without the Knowledge of his or her Master 135

III. What Compensation for Support anyone shall Receive for the Bringing up of a Child Committed to his Care by its Parents 136

Title V.—Concerning Such Property as is Vested by the Laws of Nature.

I. Concerning the Disinheriting of Children; and What Disposition Parents should make of their Property 137

II. What Part of her Dowry a Woman has a Right to Bequeath 139

III. What Property Parents should Bestow upon their Children, at the Time of their Marriage 140

IV. Concerning Children Born of Different Parents; and What Distinctions Parents may Make in the Disposition of their Estates 141

V. Concerning such Property as Children may have Acquired during the Lives of their Parents 142

BOOK V.

CONCERNING BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS.

Title I.—Ecclesiastical Affairs.

I. Concerning Donations to the Church 143

II. Concerning the Preservation and Restoration of Property Belonging to the Church 144

III. Concerning Sales and Gifts of Church Property 144

IV. Concerning Church Property in Charge of Those Devoted to the Service of the Church 145

V. Concerning the Repairs of Churches, and Divers Other Matters 145

VI. Concerning the Arbitrary Conduct of Bishops 147

VII. Emancipated Slaves of the Church, who are still Bound to Render it Service, shall not be Permitted to Marry Persons who are Freeborn 150

Title II.—Concerning Donations in General.

I. A Donation Extorted by Violence is Void 152

II. Concerning Royal Donations 152

III. Concerning Property Given to a Husband or a Wife by the King 152

IV. Concerning Property, in Addition to the Dowry, Given to a Wife by her Husband 153

V. Concerning Property Given to a Husband by his Wife; and Where a Wife has been Convicted of Adultery 153

VI. Concerning Property Donated Verbally, or Conveyed by Instruments in Writing 154

VII. Concerning Gifts Bestowed upon one Another by Husband and Wife 155

Title III.—Concerning the Gifts of Patrons.

I. Where Anyone who has been Placed under the Control of Another, or of the Son of that Person, Deserts either his Patron, or the Children of the Latter 156

II. Concerning Arms given to Bailiffs who have been Appointed for the Defence of Anyone, and the Acquisitions of said Bailiffs 158

III. Concerning Property Acquired through the Appointment of a Patron, or which has been Donated by Him 158

IV. Concerning Property Accepted and Acquired through the Office of Patron 158

Title IV.—Concerning Exchanges and Sales.

I. What Constitutes a Valid Exchange, and what a Valid Purchase 160

II. If the Vendor is not a Person of Good Character, he must give a Surety 160

III. Any Sale made under Compulsion shall be Void 160

IV. In Case the Price should not be Paid, after Earnest Money has been Given 160

V. Where only Part of the Price is Paid 161

VI. Where Fraud is Committed in Stating the Price of whatever is Sold 161

VII. Where Anyone says that he Sold his Property for Less than it was Worth 161

VIII. Concerning Those who Sell, or Give Away, the Property of Others 162

IX. It shall not be Lawful to Sell, or Give Away, Property whose Ownership is in Dispute 162

X. Where a Freeman Allows Himself to be Sold 162

XI. Concerning Free Men and Free Women sold by Slaves or Freemen 163

XII. It shall be Illegal for Parents to Sell their Children or, by any Contract whatsoever, to Place Them in the Power of Others 163

XIII. Concerning Sales by Slaves 164

XIV. Where a Slave, who has been Sold, Accuses his Former Master of Crime 165

XV. A Master may Claim the Property of a Slave whom he has Sold 165

XVI. Whether a Slave may be Redeemed with his own Private Property 166

XVII. No One, against his Will, shall be Compelled to Sell his Slaves 166

XVIII. Where a Slave, on Account of a Crime he has Committed, is Transferred to the Possession of Another 167

XIX. Concerning Property Belonging to Private Persons, and to the Courts, which may not be Alienated 167

XX. Where Anyone Sells or Gives Away Property, whose Possession should first have been Transferred by Judicial Decree 169

XXI. Of Slaves Captured and Sold by the Enemy 169

XXII. For what Price this Book shall be Bought 169

Title V.—Concerning Property Committed to the Charge of, or Loaned to, Another.

I. Concerning Animals Hired to Another 171

II. Concerning Animals Loaned for the Purpose of Labor 172

III. Concerning Things which have been Loaned, and afterwards Destroyed by Fire, or Lost by Theft 172

IV. Concerning Lost Money, and the Interest on the Same 173

V. Concerning Property Committed to the Charge of Another, and Lost by Accident at Sea 173

VI. Concerning Property Entrusted to a Slave without his Master’s Knowledge 174

VII. Where a Slave Fraudulently Demands Property Entrusted by his Master to Another 174

VIII. Concerning Legal Interest 175

IX. What shall be Paid for the Use of Fruits of the Soil 175

X. Who are Entitled to Wills, or Instruments in Writing, which have been Entrusted to the Keeping of Anyone 176

Title VI.—Concerning Pledges and Debts.

I. Where Articles are not Pledged 177

II. Where Pledges are Deposited, and afterwards Stolen 177

III. Where Articles are Pledged as Security for Debts 177

IV. Where a Pledge is not Restored when the Debt is Paid 178

V. Where a Person is Liable for many Debts, or has Committed many Crimes 179

VI. In what way the Debt of a Person who is Dead, or any Injury he has Committed, shall be Inquired into 180

Title VII.—Concerning the Liberation of Slaves, and Freedmen.

I. Where Slaves are Liberated, either by Instruments in Writing, or in the Presence of Witnesses 182

II. Where a Slave Belonging to One, or to Several Persons, is set at Liberty 182

III. Concerning Those who Declare that they are Free 183

IV. Whether he who is enjoying Liberty, can be Returned to Slavery 183

V. Whether he who is sought to be Returned to Slavery, can be Deprived of any of his Property 183

VI. Whether he who has been Declared to be Free by his Master, in Court, can be again Reduced to Slavery, on the Demand of said Master 184

VII. Where anyone, Influenced by Fear, Asserts that he is a Slave 184

VIII. Where a Freeman is Claimed as a Slave; or Where a Slave Declares Himself to be Free 184

IX. For what Reasons Freedom, once Given, shall be Revoked 185

X. Where a Freedman Inflicts Injury upon him who Gave him his Freedom 185

XI. A Freedman shall not be Permitted to give Testimony against his Former Master, or against the Children of the Latter 186

XII. Freedmen shall not be Permitted to Testify in Court 186

XIII. Concerning the Disposition of the Property of a Person who has been set Free, should he Die without Leaving Legitimate Children 186

XIV. Concerning the Conditions Imposed by a Master, where Slaves are Liberated by an Instrument in Writing 187

XV. Concerning the Liberation of Slaves belonging to the Crown 188

XVI. Concerning the Property of Slaves belonging to the Crown, who have been Liberated 188

XVII. Neither Freedmen, nor their Descendants, shall either Marry into, or Act Insolently towards, the Family of their Patron 189

XVIII. Freedmen who have Entered any Religious Order, shall not be Returned to the Service of their Masters 190

XIX. In what manner Royal Freedmen and their Descendants shall Defend the King, while Serving in the Army; and with whom Those in the Public Service shall March 190

XX. Concerning Freedmen who are Guilty of Transgressions 191

BOOK VI.

CONCERNING CRIMES AND TORTURES.

Title I.—Concerning the Accusers of Criminals.

I. A Slave, Accused of a Crime, may be Demanded of his Master by the Officials of the District 193

II. For what Offences, and in what Manner, Freeborn Persons shall be put to the Torture 194

III. For what Offences, and in what Manner, Slaves, of Either Sex, shall be put to the Torture, on account of the Crimes of their Masters 196

IV. For what Offences, and in what manner, a Slave, or a Freedman, shall be Tortured 197

V. In what way an Accusation shall be Brought to the Notice of the King 200

VI. How Kings should Practise the Duties of Mercy 201

VII. He Alone shall be Considered Guilty who Committed the Crime 201

Title II.—Concerning Malefactors and their Advisers, and Poisoners.

I. Where a Freeborn Man Consults with a Soothsayer Concerning the Health, or the Death of Another 203

II. Concerning Poisoners 204

III. Concerning Malefactors and their Advisers 204

IV. Concerning Those who are Guilty of any Illegal Acts, or any Injury, towards Men, Animals, or any Kind of Property Whatsoever 205

Title III.—Concerning Abortion.

I. Concerning Those who Administer Drugs for the Production of Abortion 206

II. Where a Freeborn Man Causes a Freeborn Woman to Abort 206

III. Where a Freeborn Woman Causes another Freeborn Woman to Abort 207

IV. Where a Freeborn Man Produces Abortion upon a Slave 207

V. Where a Slave Produces Abortion upon a Freeborn Woman 207

VI. Where a Slave Produces Abortion upon a Female Slave 207

VII. Concerning Those who Kill their Children before, or after, they are Born 207

Title IV.—Concerning Injuries, Wounds, and Mutilations, Inflicted upon Men.

I. Concerning the Injury of Freemen and Slaves 209

II. Concerning Insolent Persons and their Acts 210

III. Concerning the Law of Retaliation, and the Amount to be Paid in Lieu of the Enforcement of said Law 211

IV. Where a Person Deprives a Traveler of his Liberty, against the Will of the Latter, and with Intent to do him Injury 214

V. He who Violates the Law by Inflicting Injury upon Another, shall undergo the same Punishment which he Himself Inflicted 215

VI. He shall not be Considered Guilty who Struck Another, when the Latter was about to Strike Him 215

VII. Where a Slave Insults a Freeborn Person 216

VIII. Where one Freeborn Person Strikes Another 216

IX. Where the Slave of Another is Mutilated by a Freeborn Person 216

X. Where a Slave Strikes a Freeborn Person 217

XI. Where One Slave Mutilates Another Slave 217

Title V.—Concerning Homicide.

I. Where One Kills Another without Knowing it 218

II. Where One Kills Another without Seeing Him 219

III. Where One, being Pushed, Kills Another 219

IV. Where One, Seeking to Strike Another, Kills a Third Person 219

V. Where One is Killed while Interfering in a Quarrel 220

VI. Where One, Intending to Inflict a Slight Injury, Kills Another 220

VII. Where One, in Sport, or Recklessly, Kills Another 220

VIII. Where One Kills Another through Immoderate Punishment 221

IX. Where a Freeman Kills a Slave by Accident 221

X. Where a Slave Kills a Freeman by Accident 221

XI. Where One Man Intentionally Kills Another 221

XII. No Master shall Kill his Slave without Good Reason; and Where One Freeman Kills Another 222

XIII. No One shall Deprive a Male or Female Slave of a Limb 225

XIV. Any Person may bring an Accusation of Homicide 226

XV. Both Relatives and Strangers have a Right to Accuse a Person of Homicide 227

XVI. Where a Homicide Takes Refuge in a Church 227

XVII. Concerning Parricides, and the Disposition of their Property 228

XVIII. Concerning Those who Kill Others Related to Them by Blood 229

XIX. Where One Blood-Relative is Accidentally Killed by Another 230

XX. Where One Slave Kills Another by Accident 230

XXI. Concerning those who Destroy their Souls by Perjury 230

BOOK VII.

CONCERNING THEFT AND FRAUD.

Title I.—Concerning Informers of Theft.

I. Concerning Informers and Persons who give Information of Theft 233

II. A Slave, Acting as Informer, must not be Believed, unless the Testimony of his Master is also Given 234

III. Where the Informer Knew of the Commission of the Theft 284

IV. Concerning the Compensation of an Informer 235

V. Where an Innocent Person is Accused of Crime by an Informer 235

Title II.—Concerning Thieves and Stolen Property.

I. He who is Searching for Stolen Property must Describe it 238

II. Where a Slave Commits a Theft Before or After he has Received his Freedom 238

III. Where a Slave, who has Become the Property of Another Master, Commits an Unlawful Act 238

IV. Where a Freeman Commits a Theft in Company with the Slave of Another Person 239

V. Where a Master Commits a Theft in Company with his Slave 239

VI. Where a Slave, Belonging to Another Person, is Instigated by Anyone to the Commission of Unlawful Acts 239

VII. Concerning Those who Knowingly Associate with Thieves 240

VIII. Where Anyone, Ignorantly, Buys Stolen Property of a Thief 240

IX. Where Anyone, Knowingly, Buys Stolen Property of a Thief 241

X. Concerning Money, and Other Property, Stolen from the King 241

XI. Concerning the Stealing of Bells from Cattle 241

XII. Concerning the Theft of Mill Machinery 242

XIII. Concerning the Punishment of a Thief 242

XIV. A Thief, when Taken, shall be Brought Before the Judge; and Where a Freeman Commits a Theft in Company with a Slave, Both shall Undergo the Same Penalty 242

XV. Where a Thief, Defending Himself with a Sword, is Killed 243

XVI. Where a Thief is Killed at Night, while he is Being Taken 243

XVII. Concerning Property Injured or Destroyed; and the Reparation to be Made for what has been Damaged or Stolen 243

XVIII. Concerning Property Rescued from Shipwreck 243

XIX. Concerning the Property and the Heirs of Thieves 244

XX. Concerning Those who Rescue Thieves and Other Criminals, after their Capture 244

XXI. Where a Slave Steals from his Master, or from a Fellow-Slave 245

XXII. Within what Time, after his Arrest, a Thief must be Brought Before the Judge 245

XXIII. Where Anyone Secretly Kills an Animal Belonging to Another 246

Title III.—Concerning Appropriators and Kidnappers of Slaves.

I. Where Anyone Seizes the Slave of Another 247

II. Where a Freeman is Convicted of Having Stolen the Male or Female Slave of Another 247

III. Concerning Kidnapped Children of Freeborn Persons 248

IV. Where one Slave Kidnaps Another Belonging to a Person not his Master 248

V. Where a Slave, at the Command of his Master, Kidnaps a Freeborn Person 249

VI. Where a Slave, without the Knowledge of his Master, Kidnaps a Freeborn Person 249

Title IV.—Concerning the Custody and Sentence of Condemned Persons.

I. Where a Judge is Asked to Punish Crime, and is Afterwards Treated with Contempt 250

II. The Governor of the City shall Aid the Judge in the Arrest of Persons Accused of Crime 250

III. Where a Person Breaks out of Prison, or Influences the Jailer for that Purpose 251

IV. Concerning the Compensation which may be Received from those in Custody 251

V. Where a Judge who is Lenient to Offenders Against the Law, Releases a Criminal 252

VI. Concerning the Punishment of a Judge who Improperly Discharges a Criminal 252

VII. A Person Guilty of Crime shall receive the Sentence of the Law not Secretly, but in Public 252

Title V.—Concerning Forgers of Documents.

I. Concerning Those who Forge Royal Orders and Mandates 253

II. Concerning Those who Forge Documents, or Attempt to Forge Them 254

III. Concerning Those who Forge, or Serve, False Orders in the Name of the King, or a Judge 255

IV. Concerning Those who Falsify a Will against the Consent of a Party while Living, or Disclose the Contents of the Same 256

V. Concerning Those who Attempt to Forge, or Conceal, the Will of a Person Already Deceased 256

VI. Where Anyone Assumes a Fictitious Name, or Adopts a False Lineage or Relationship 256

VII. Concerning Documents Fraudulently Dated, Prior to their Execution 257

VIII. Concerning Later Documents Fraudulently Executed 258

IX. Concerning those who Falsely Write, or Publish, Decrees and Edicts of the King 259

Title VI.—Concerning Counterfeiters of Metals.

I. Concerning the Torture of Slaves, in Order to Convict their Masters of Counterfeiting Money; and the Reward of Witnesses who have given Information of the Same 261

II. Concerning Those who Debase Solidi, or Other Coins 261

III. Concerning Those who Debase Gold by a Mixture of Other Metals 262

IV. Where Artificers of Metals are Found to have Abstracted a Portion of what was Entrusted to Them 262

V. No One shall Refuse to Accept a Golden Solidus of Legal Weight 262

BOOK VIII.

CONCERNING ACTS OF VIOLENCE AND INJURIES.

Title I.—Concerning Attacks, and Plunder of Property.

I. The Patron, or the Master, shall Alone be Held Guilty, if, by his Orders, a Freeman or a Slave should Commit any Unlawful Act 264

II. Where a Party in Possession is Expelled by Force 264

III. Where Many Persons Unite in Causing Bloodshed 264

IV. Where a Person is Shut up by Violence, Inside his Own House, or Within his Gate 265

V. Property, while in the Possession of Another, shall not be Seized, Except Under Legal Process 266

VI. Where a Person is Guilty of Asking Others to Commit Depredations 267

VII. A House shall not be Entered in the Absence of the Master, or while he is on a Public Expedition 267

VIII. Where the Slaves of a Person who is Absent on a Public Expedition Commit Unlawful Acts 268

IX. Concerning Those who, while on an Expedition, Commit Robbery or Other Depredations 268

X. He in whose Possession Stolen Property has been Found, shall be Compelled to name his associates in the Crime 269

XI. Concerning Those who are Guilty of Giving Directions to Others for Purposes of Robbery 269

XII. Concerning Those who Rob, or Inflict Annoyance upon Anyone, while he is on a Journey, or at Work in the Country 269

XIII. Whether a Person Caught in the Act of Robbery may be Killed 270

Title II.—Concerning Arson and Incendiaries.

I. Concerning Those who set Fire to Houses either Within or Without a City 271

II. Where Forests are set on Fire 272

III. Where a Conflagration Results from the Smouldering Campfire of a Traveller 273

Title III.—Concerning Injuries to Trees, Gardens, or Growing Crops of any Description.

I. Concerning the Compensation for Cutting Down Trees 274

II. Where Anyone Destroys the Garden of Another 275

III. Where Injury, or Homicide, Results from the Cutting Down of a Tree 275

IV. Where a Tree is Partially Cut Down, or is Injured by Fire 276

V. Concerning the Cutting Down, Tearing up, or Burning of Vines; and the Seizure of Growing Crops 276

VI. Where Fences are Cut Down, or Burned 277

VII. Where Fence Posts are Cut 277

VIII. Where Anyone is Caught with a Vehicle, in a Wood Belonging to Another 278

IX. Concerning the Unreasonable Enclosure of Orchards, Vineyards and Pastures 278

X. Where Animals are Voluntarily Loosed in Fields where there are Crops, or in Vineyards 278

XI. Where Animals Damage Growing Crops 279

XII. Where an Enclosed Field is Ruined by Flocks 279

XIII. Where Fruits of any Kind are Destroyed by Animals 279

XIV. Where, while Anyone is Driving Cattle out of Cultivated Fields, Another Person Rescues them, or Takes Possession of them afterwards Secretly or by Force 280

XV. Concerning Animals Found in Vineyards, Fields of Grain, or Meadows 281

XVI. Where Animals Depart from Fields of Growing Grain Before they are Driven Out 282

XVII. Where Anyone Mutilates an Animal found in a Field of Grain 282

Title IV.—Concerning Injuries to Animals, and Other Property.

I. Where a Horse, or any other Animal, which has been Tied Up, is Removed, or Injured, in any Way, Without the Consent of the Owner 284

II. Where any Animal which has been Loaned, is Used against the Directions, or Will of the Owner, or is Abused 285

III. Where the Mane or Tail of a Horse, or any Other Animal, is cut off by Anyone 285

IV. Where Anyone Castrates an Animal Belonging to Another 285

V. Where Anyone Produces an Abortion upon a Beast of Burden Belonging to Another 286

VI. Where Anyone Produces an Abortion upon any kind of Animal Belonging to Another 286

VII. Where Animals of any kind Injure One Another 286

VIII. Where a Person Kills an Animal Belonging to Another, whether he has been Injured by said Animal, or Not 286

IX. Where an Ox, Belonging to Another, is Used for Labor, without the Consent of its Owner 287

X. Where Animals, of any kind, Belonging to Another, are Overworked in the Threshing of Grain 287

XI. Where Cattle, which have done no Injury, are Shut Up 287

XII. Where an Animal Causes Injury to Anyone 288

XIII. Where an Animal is Injured, or Killed, by a Blow 288

XIV. Where Cattle, Belonging to Another, with or without the Knowledge of the Owner, are Mingled with the Herd or Flock of the Latter 288

XV. Where Anything Intended to Frighten an Animal is Fastened to it, and it should be either Injured, or Killed, in Consequence 289

XVI. Where a Vicious Animal, while on the Premises of its Owner, Kills Anyone 289

XVII. Where Anyone Rids himself of a Vicious Animal, or Still Retains it in his Possession 290

XVIII. Where Anyone Teases an Animal and is Injured by it, he Alone shall be Responsible for the Injury 290

XIX. Where a Dog that has been Irritated, whether the Provocation was Wanton or not, is Proved to have Injured, or Killed Anyone 291

XX. Concerning a Vicious Dog 291

XXI. Concerning Injuries to Clothing 291

XXII. Where a Trespasser Falls into a Trap set for Wild Animals 292

XXIII. He who sets Snares or Traps for Wild Beasts, must Inform his Neighbors of the Places where said Snares are Set 292

XXIV. Concerning Injuries Resulting from the Obstruction of Highways 293

XXV. Of the Space that is to be Preserved along Public Highways 293

XXVI. Where the Animals of Persons Traversing Fields that are not Enclosed, are Driven Away 294

XXVII. Animals Driven along the Highway Cannot be Excluded from Open Pastures 295

XXVIII. He who has Land under Cultivation along the Bank of a River, has a Right to Enclose the Same 295

XXIX. Concerning the Right to Enclose Streams 295

XXX. Concerning Those who Damage Mills, and Ponds 296

XXXI. Concerning Those who Steal Water from Streams Belonging to Others 296

Title V.—Concerning the Pasturage of Hogs, and Concerning Strays.

I. Where Hogs are Pastured on Acorns, Either without Authority, or under Contract 298

II. Where Hogs are Fed on Acorns on Land Belonging to Several Persons 299

III. Where Hogs Turned on Land to be Fed on Acorns, under Contract, are Taken away by Stealth, Before the Tenth Part of said Hogs are Delivered 299

IV. Where Hogs are Found Wandering in Woodland 300

V. Where a Drove of Animals, of any Kind, Enter upon the Pasture-land of Another Person 300

VI. Public Notice shall be given of Strays by him who Finds them 301

VII. Whoever Finds any Strays shall take Proper Care of the Same 301

VIII. No Stray Animal shall be Either Sheared, Branded, or Appropriated by Anyone 301

Title VI.—Concerning Bees, and the Damage they Cause.

I. Where a Person Finds Bees on his Property 303

II. Where Bees Cause any Damage 303

III. Concerning the Theft of Bees 303

BOOK IX.

CONCERNING FUGITIVES AND REFUGEES.

Title I.—Concerning Fugitives, and Those who Conceal, and Assist them in Their Flight.

I. Where a Freeman or a Slave is Found to have Concealed a Fugitive 306

II. Where a Fugitive is Released from his Chains by any Person 306

III. Within what Time a Fugitive Slave that has been Found, shall be Produced Before the Judge 307

IV. Where Anyone, Ignorantly, Receives a Fugitive Slave, and Cares for Him 307

V. Where Anyone Persuades the Slave of Another to Flee, or Shows him Hospitality 308

VI. Where a Man, Unknown to be a Slave, is Received by Another, and Remains with him Several Days 308

VII. Where a Slave, Knowingly, Directs a Fugitive Slave in his Flight 309

VIII. Concerning the Reception of Fugitive Slaves; and Whether a Master or a Slave may receive a Fugitive Slave Belonging to Another 309

IX. Where a Fugitive Slave Comes to the House of any Person, Notice of the Fact must be Given to the Neighbors and Authorities of the District 311

X. Where a Slave that has been Sold into a Foreign Country, Returns as a Fugitive, and is Sold a Second Time, he shall be Entitled to his Freedom 311

XI. Where a Fugitive Slave Takes Refuge with Another Person, an Investigation must be Made, to Ascertain whether he was not Sent by his Master, in Order that the Latter might Receive Compensation from the Person who Received said Slave 312

XII. Where a Slave, Falsely Declaring that he is Free, Serves Another for Hire 312

XIII. Where a Fugitive Slave is Found in the House of any Person 313

XIV. Concerning the Reward for Arresting a Fugitive Slave 313

XV. Where a Fugitive Slave Falsely Declares that he is Freeborn 314

XVI. Where a Fugitive Slave, Declaring that he is Freeborn, Marries a Freeborn Woman 314

XVII. Concerning Property Acquired by Fugitive Slaves 315

XVIII. Concerning Those who Refuse to Restore Fugitive Slaves to their Masters 315

XIX. Where a Freeman, or a Slave, Undertakes the Concealment of Robbers 316

XX. A Judge must Surrender a Fugitive Slave, with all the Property Found in his Possession, to his Master 316

XXI. Concerning Fugitive Slaves and those who Shelter Them 316

Title II.—Concerning Those who Refuse to go to War, and Deserters.

I. Where an Officer of the Army, Corrupted by a Bribe, Permits a Soldier to Depart, or does not Compel him to Leave his Home 320

II. Where Conscription Officers Appropriate the Property of Those they Call to Arms 321

III. Where an Officer of the Army Abandons the War, and Returns Home, or Permits Others to do so 321

IV. Where an Officer of the Army, Deserting the Service, Returns Home, or Compels Others to do so 322

V. Where a Conscription Officer Receives a Bribe to Permit Soldiers who are not Ill, to Remain at Home 323

VI. Concerning those who Appropriate Army Rations, or are Guilty of Fraud in the Distribution of the Same 323

VII. What Reward he who Rescues Slaves, or Property, from the Possession of the Enemy, shall be Entitled to 324

VIII. What Conduct shall be Pursued when Public Scandal Arises within the Bounds of Spain 324

IX. Concerning Those who Fail to Enlist at the Appointed Time or Place, or Desert; and What Proportion of the Slaves Belonging to any Person shall join the Army 327

Title III.—Concerning Those who Seek Sanctuary in a Church.

I. No One, Claiming the Privilege of Sanctuary in a Church, shall be Taken from Thence by Force, Unless he Defends himself with Arms 331

II. Where a Person Seeks Sanctuary in a Church, and is Killed, while Defending himself with Arms 331

III. Concerning the Penalty for Removing a Man from a Church by Force 331

IV. A Debtor, or a Criminal, Cannot be Forcibly Removed from a Church, and must Pay such Debts, or Penalties, as are Due 332

BOOK X.

CONCERNING PARTITION, LIMITATION AND BOUNDARIES.

Title I.—Concerning Partition, and Lands Conveyed by Contract.

I. A Partition Once Made, shall Remain Forever in Force 334

II. No Partition Made Between Brothers shall be Revoked, Even if it was not Made in Writing but Only in the Presence of a Competent Witness 334

III. Where a Partition is Made Among Many Persons by the Majority and those Entitled to the Larger Share, it shall not be Changed by any Act of the Minority 334

IV. One Heir shall have the Right to Act for all the Others, either as Plaintiff or Defendant 335

V. Where Anyone Violates a Contract Establishing a Partition, and Seizes a Portion of the Property 335

VI. Where an Heir Plants a Vineyard, or Erects a House, on Land Belonging to his Co-Heirs 336

VII. Where one Person Plants a Vineyard on the Land of Another, to which he has no Title 336

VIII. Concerning the Division of Lands Made Between Goths and Romans 337

IX. Concerning Forests Still Undivided Among Goths and Romans 337

X. Whatever Acts a Slave may Perform, without the Order of his Master, shall be Void, except when Otherwise Provided by Law 337

XI. Whoever Enters upon Land under a Lease, must Comply with his Contract 337

XII. Where Lands are Leased, by a written Contract, for a Term of Years 338

XIII. Where he who Rents Land under Contract, Cultivates a Greater Area than he has a Right to do, under the Conditions of the Same 338

XIV. Where a Dispute Arises Between Landlord and Tenant, Concerning Arable Lands, or Forests, which are Leased 339

XV. Both Tenants must Pay the Rent for Land which has been Sublet 339

XVI. Where Goths have Appropriated any of the Third Part of Land Belonging to Romans, they shall Restore the Entire Amount to the Romans, under Order of Court 339

XVII. Concerning the Partition of Property Among the Blood-Relatives of Slaves, and the Distribution of their Personal Estates 340

XVIII. All Personal Property shall be Classed under One Title 341

XIX. Where a Contract is not Complied With according to its Terms 341

Title II.—Concerning the Limitations of Fifty and Thirty Years.

I. After the Lapse of Fifty Years, Neither Goths nor Romans can Assert a Claim to Property 343

II. No Fugitive Slave shall be Again Reduced to Servitude, after the Lapse of Fifty Years 343

III. No Suit at Law shall be Brought Thirty Years After the Cause of Action has Arisen 343

IV. The Limitation of Thirty Years shall Run in all Cases Excepting those where Slaves of the Crown are Concerned 344

V. Concerning Claims made within Thirty Years 344

VI. The Limitation of Thirty Years shall not Run while Persons are Exiled 346

VII. Within what Time Slaves Belonging to the Crown can Again be Reduced to Slavery 347

Title III.—Concerning Boundaries and Landmarks.

I. How Boundaries and Landmarks shall be Preserved 348

II. Concerning the Destruction and Removal of Landmarks 348

III. What is to be Done when a Dispute Arises Concerning Boundaries 348

IV. Where One Person makes a Claim to Land Included within the Boundaries of Another 349

V. Where any Change was made in the Boundaries of Land During the Time of the Romans, no Claim Based upon Other Boundaries shall Prevail 350

BOOK XI.

CONCERNING THE SICK AND THE DEAD, AND MERCHANTS WHO COME FROM BEYOND SEAS.

Title I.—Concerning Physicians and Sick Persons.

I. No Physician shall Presume to Bleed a Woman, in the Absence of her Relatives 353

II. No Physician shall Visit Persons Confined in Prison 354

III. Where a Physician Treats Disease under a Contract 354

IV. Where a Sick Person Dies, while a Physician is Treating him under a Contract 355

V. Where a Physician Removes a Cataract from the Eye 355

VI. Where a Freeman or a Slave Dies from Being Bled 355

VII. Concerning the Compensation to be Received for the Instruction of a Student in Medicine 355

VIII. No Physician shall be Imprisoned without a Hearing 355

Title II.—Concerning Those who Disturb Sepulchres.

I. Concerning Persons who Deface or Injure Tombs 356

II. Where a Coffin is Removed from a Grave 356

Title III.—Concerning Merchants who Come from Beyond Seas.

I. Where Foreign Merchants are Detected Selling Stolen Property 357

II. Foreign Merchants shall be Judged by their own Magistrates, and According to their own Laws 357

III. Where a Foreign Merchant Carries Away with him, from our Kingdom, a Person whom he has Hired 358

IV. Where a Foreign Merchant takes Away a Slave for Purposes of Commerce 358

BOOK XII.

CONCERNING THE PREVENTION OF OFFICIAL OPPRESSION, AND THE THOROUGH EXTINCTION OF HERETICAL SECTS.

Title I.—Concerning the Exercise of Moderation in Judicial Decisions, and the Avoiding of Oppression by Those Invested with Authority.

I. Concerning the Admonition of the King, by which Judges are Ordered to Display Moderation in the Administration of Justice 359

II. No Official, Invested with Power Over the People and Supervision Over their Acts, shall Subject them to Unnecessary Expense, or Other Impositions 360

Title II.—Concerning the Eradication of the Errors of all Heretics and Jews.

I. Laws Having Been Given to True Believers, it is Now Necessary to Place Restraints upon Infidels 363

II. Concerning the Renunciation of the Errors of all Heresies 364

III. Concerning the Laws Promulgated on Account of the Wickedness of the Jews 365

IV. Concerning the Extirpation of the Errors of the Jews in General 366

V. Jews shall not Celebrate the Passover According to their Custom 367

VI. Jews shall not Contract Marriage According to their Custom 367

VII. Jews shall not Perform the Rite of Circumcision 367

VIII. Jews shall not Divide their Food into Clean and Unclean, According to their Custom 367

IX. No Jew shall Subject a Christian to Torture 368

X. No Jew shall Testify Against a Christian; and Under what Circumstances the Descendants of Jews may Testify 368

XI. No Jew shall Circumcise a Christian Slave 369

XII. Concerning the Penalties to be Inflicted for Offences Committed by Jews 369

XIII. Concerning Christian Slaves who are Known to have been Sold or Liberated by Jews 369

XIV. Under no Circumstances shall Christian Slaves Attach themselves to Jews, or be Admitted into their Sect 371

XV. All Christians are Forbidden to Defend or Protect a Jew by Either Force or Favor 374

XVI. Memorial of the Jews Presented to the King 375

XVII. Concerning Judaizing Christians 376

XVIII. Concerning the Perfidy of the Jews 377

Title III.—Concerning New Laws against the Jews, in which Old Ones are Confirmed, and New Ones are Added.

I. Concerning Old Laws Enacted Against the Transgressions of the Jews, and the Confirmation of the Same 382

II. Concerning Blasphemers Against the Holy Trinity 384

III. Jews shall not Absent themselves, or Remove their Children or Slaves, to Avoid the Blessing of Baptism 385

IV. Jews shall not Celebrate the Passover According to their Custom, or Practice Circumcision, or Induce any Christian to Renounce the Church of Christ 385

V. Jews shall not Presume to Keep the Sabbath, or Celebrate Festival Days, According to their Ritual 386

VI. Every Jew shall Cease from Labor on Sunday, and on all Appointed Holidays 387

VII. Jews shall not make any Distinction in their Food, According to their Custom 388

VIII. A Jew shall not Marry a Person Nearly Related to him by Blood, or Contract Marriage without the Benediction of a Priest 388

IX. Jews who Insult our Religion, while Attempting to Defend their own Sect, shall not Betake themselves Elsewhere; nor shall Anyone Shelter them while Fugitives 389

X. No Christian shall Accept a Gift from a Jew, to the Detriment of the Christian Faith 390

XI. Jews shall not Dare to Read Such Books as the Christian Faith Rejects 391

XII. Christian Slaves shall not Serve, or Associate with, Jews 392

XIII. Where a Jew Declares that he is a Christian, and, for this Reason, does not Wish to Dispose of a Christian Slave 393

XIV. The Confession of Jews; and, In What way Each One of Them, who is Converted, must Write Down the Proof of his Conversion 395

XV. Conditions under which Jews must Make Oath, when, having been Converted, they give in their Confession of Faith 397

XVI. Concerning the Christian Slaves of Jews, who have not Proclaimed themselves Christians, and those who Expose Them 401

XVII. No Jew, under any Authority whatever, shall Dare to Oppress, Punish, or Imprison a Christian, Except by Order of the King 401

XVIII. If Slaves of Jews, not yet Converted, should Claim the Grace of Christ, they shall be Liberated 402

XIX. Jews shall not Rule Christians under the Authority of Mayors of Towns, or of Superintendents of Estates; and Concerning the Penalties to be Imposed upon Such as Appoint them to Office 402

XX. Where a Jew comes from Another Country into any of the Provinces of Our Kingdom, he must, at once, Present himself before a Bishop, a Priest, or a Judge; and What shall be Done under the Circumstances 403

XXI. How Assemblies of Jews shall Visit the Bishop on Appointed Days 404

XXII. Where Anyone has a Jew in his Service, and a Priest Demands him, the Master shall not have a Right to Retain said Jew 405

XXIII. All Restraint of, and Control over, the Jews shall be Vested in the Priesthood 405

XXIV. Concerning the Penalties to be Imposed upon Priests and Judges who Neglect to Enforce the Laws against the Jews 406

XXV. No Judge shall Presume to Investigate the Offences of the Jews without the Knowledge of an Ecclesiastic 407

XXVI. Bishops shall be Immune from Punishment when their Priests do not Inform them of such Things as should be Corrected 407

XXVII. Concerning the Mercy to be Shown by Princes towards Those who have been Truly Converted to the Christian Faith 408

XXVIII. Bishops shall Give to all Jews a Copy of this Book, which has been Published for the Purpose of Correcting their Errors; and their Confessions and a Record of their Conversion shall be Deposited among the Archives of the Church 408

ЗАКОНЫ СУДЕЙ.

КНИГА I. О ЮРИДИЧЕСКИХ ПРЕДСТАВИТЕЛЬСТВАХ.

РАЗДЕЛ I. ЗАКОНОДАТЕЛЬ.

I. What the Method of Making Laws Should Be.

II. How the Lawmaker Should Act.

III. What Should be Required of the Lawmaker.

IV. What the Conduct of the Lawmaker Should Be in his Daily Life.

V. How the Lawmaker Should Impart Advice.

VI. What Manner of Speech the Lawmaker Should Use.

VII. How the Lawmaker Should Act in Rendering Judgment.

VIII. How the Lawmaker Should Comport Himself in Public and Private Affairs.

IX. What Instruction it is Fitting that the Lawmaker Should Give.

I. Каким должен быть метод создания законов.

Мы, чей долг — оказывать надлежащее содействие в создании законов, должны при исполнении этого начинания усовершенствовать методы древних, выказывая как достоинство создаваемого закона, так и искусство его творца. Доказательство этого искусства будет тем нагляднее, если оно покажется выводящим свои заключения не из умозаключений и подражания, а из истины. И оно не должно подкреплять силу аргумента тонкостью силлогизма, но должно умеренно и посредством чистых и честных предписаний определять положения закона. И поистине разум прямо требует, чтобы работа выполнялась именно так. Ибо когда мастер держит в руке готовое изделие, тщетно ищут причину того, почему оно было наделено именно этой формой. В предметах неясных разум страстно жаждет получить сведения путем исследования; в делах же общеизвестных и устоявшихся требуется лишь действие. Поэтому, когда рассматриваемый вопрос неясен из-за непривычной формы, желательно расследование; но иначе обстоит дело в делах, известных всем людям, где существенным становится не умозрение, а исполнение. Поскольку мы больше озабочены нравами, нежели красноречием, в наши задачи не входит вводить личность оратора, но — определять права правителя.

II. Как должен действовать законодатель.

Создатель законов не должен практиковаться в диспутах, но должен отправлять правосудие. И не подобает ему казаться создавшим закон путем тяжбы, но — упорядоченным образом. Ибо ведение общественных дел требует не криков театральных аплодисментов в награду за труды, а закона, предназначенного для спасения народа.

III. Что следует требовать от законодателя.

Прежде всего следует требовать, чтобы он прилежно исследовал обоснованность своих мнений. Затем должно быть очевидно, что он действовал не ради личной выгоды, а на благо народа; так, чтобы с очевидностью следовало, что закон создан не для какой-то частной или личной выгоды, а для защиты и пользы всей совокупности граждан.

IV. Каково должно быть поведение законодателя в его повседневной жизни.

Создатель законов и вершитель правосудия должен предпочитать нравы красноречию, дабы речь его отличалась скорее добродетельными чувствами, нежели изяществом выражения. Он должен быть более выдающимся в делах, нежели в словах; и исполнять свои обязанности скорее с готовностью, нежели с неохотой, и не по принуждению, так сказать.

V. Как законодатель должен давать советы.

Он должен помнить о своем долге только перед Богом и перед самим собой; быть щедрым на советы для людей высокого и низкого звания и доступным для граждан и простого народа; дабы, являясь хранителем общественной безопасности и осуществляя правление с всеобщего согласия, он не злоупотреблял по личным мотивным привилегиями своего судебного поста.

VI. Каким образом речи должен пользоваться законодатель.

Он должен быть энергичен и ясен в речи; тверд во мнениях; скор взвешивании доказательств; дабы все, что исходит из источника закона, сразу производило на всех слушателей впечатление, что оно не отмечено ни сомнениями, ни растерянностью.

VII. Как законодатель должен поступать при вынесении приговора.

Судья должен быть быстрым в восприятии; твердым в намерении; ясным в суждении; мягким в наложении наказаний; усердным в практике милосердия; скорым в оправдании невинных; милостивым в обращении с преступниками; внимательным к правам чужеземца; мягким к соотечественникам. Он не должен быть лицеприятным и должен избегать всякого видимости пристрастности.

VIII. Как законодатель должен вести себя в личных и общественных делах.

Ко всем общественным делам он должен подходить с патриотизма и благоговением; дела же, касающиеся частных лиц и семейных споров, он должен разрешать в соответствии со своей властью и полномочиями; дабы община видела в нем отца, а низшие слои народа почитали его как господина и владыку.

Он должен быть усерден в исполнении своих обязанностей, дабы внушать простому народу такой страх, чтобы никто не смел ослушаться его; и быть столь справедливым, чтобы все охотно жертвовали жизнями ради служения ему по причине привязанности к его особе и его должности.

IX. Какое наставление подобает давать законодателю.

Затем он также должен помнить, что слава и величие народа заключаются в правильном толковании законов и в образе их отправления. Ибо, поскольку вся безопасность общественности зависит от сохранения закона, ему следует пытаться исправлять статуты страны, а не нравы толпы; и помнить, что есть такие люди, которые в спорах применяют законы по своей воле и в угоду личной выгоде до такой степени, что то, что должно быть законом для общества, является для них частным бесчестием; так что путем извращения закона часто совершаются противоправные деяния, которые явно должны быть упразднены властью самого закона.

РАЗДЕЛ II. ЗАКОН.

I. What the Lawmaker Should Observe in Framing the Laws.

II. What the Law Is.

III. What the Law Does.

IV. What the Law Should Be.

V. Why the Law is Made.

VI. How the Law Should Triumph over Enemies.

I. Что должен соблюдать законодатель при создании законов.

Во всяком законодательстве закон должен быть изложен полно и недвусмысленно, дабы были обеспечены совершенство, а не пристрастность. Ибо при формировании законов должны всегда преобладать не софизмы аргументации, но добродетель справедливости. И здесь требуется не то, к чему может побуждать спор, а то, чего требуют энергия и сила; ибо нарушение нравов должно не принуждаться формами речи, а сдерживаться умеренностью добродетели.

II. Что есть закон.

Закон есть соперник божественности; оракул религии; источник наставления; творец права; хранитель и поборник добрых нравов; руль государства; вестник правосудия; госпожа жизни; душа политического тела.

III. Что делает закон.

Закон управляет каждым сословием государства и каждым состоянием человека; он правит женами и мужьями; юностью и старостью; учеными и невеждами; образованными и грубыми. Он стремится обеспечить наивысшую степень безопасности как для государя, так и для народа, и по своей славе и превосходству он столь же заметен, как солнце в полдень.

IV. Каким должен быть закон.

Закон должен быть простым и не вести ни одного гражданина к совершению ошибки или обмана. Он должен соответствовать месту и времени сообразно характеру и обычаю государства; предписывать справедливость и беспристрастность; быть последовательным, честным, достойным, полезным и необходимым; и следует тщательно замечать, созданы ли его положения скорее для удобства, нежели во вред обществу; дабы можно было определить, достаточно ли он обеспечивает отправление правосудия; кажется ли он противоречащим религии или нет; и защищает ли он право и может ли соблюдаться без ущерба для кого бы то ни было.

V. Почему создается закон.

Законы создаются по следующим причинам: чтобы человеческая злоба сдерживалась страхом перед их исполнением; чтобы жизни невинных людей были в безопасности среди преступников; и чтобы искушение совершить зло пресекалось страхом перед наказанием.

VI. Как закон должен торжествовать над врагами.

Поскольку внутренний мир однажды установлен и чума раздоров полностью изгнана от государя, гражданина и простого народа, походы против врага могут совершаться безопасно, а нападать на него можно уверенно и энергично, в верной надежде на победу, когда ничего не следует ожидать или опасаться от внутренних распрей. Когда все тело народа процветает и находится в безопасности благодаря влиянию мира и порядка, они могут смело выступать против неприятеля и становиться непобедимыми, где спасительные искусства подкреплены справедливыми законами. Ибо люди лучше вооружены справедливостью, чем оружием; и государю следует скорее применять справедливость против врага, чем воину свое копие; и успех государя будет тем заметнее, чем больше слава о справедливости сопутствует ему, а воины, хорошо управляемые дома, будут тем грознее для неприятеля. Общеизвестно, что справедливость, защитившая гражданина, сокрушает врага; и что в иноземных спорах побеждают те, кто наслаждается миром дома; и как умеренность государя обеспечивает сдержанность в применении закона, так и единодушная поддержка граждан способствует победе над врагом. Ибо отправление закона регулируется нравом и характером короля; из отправления закона проистекает установление нравов; из установления нравов — согласие граждан; из согласия граждан — триумф над врагом. Так добрый государь, хорошо управляющий своим королевством и совершающий внешние завоевания, поддерживающий мир дома и сокрушающий своих внешних противников, прославляется и как правитель своего государства, и как победитель своих врагов, и пребудет в вечной славе в будущем: после земных богатств — небесное царство, после диадемы и порфиры — венец славы; и не перестанет он тогда быть королем, ибо, когда он отрекся от земного царства и завоевал небесное, он не умалил, а скорее умножил свою славу.