Legal Definitions - cessio actionum

Definition: Cessio actionum is a term used in Roman law that refers to the transfer of an obligation to a third party who is allowed to sue on the obligation in the name of the party entitled to it and keep the proceeds.

Example: Let's say that John owes $100 to Mary. Mary can transfer her right to collect the $100 to a third party, such as a debt collector, through cessio actionum. The debt collector can then sue John for the $100 in Mary's name and keep the money collected from John.

This example illustrates how cessio actionum allows a party to transfer their right to collect an obligation to a third party who can then sue on their behalf and keep the proceeds.