Legal Definitions - iustae nuptiae

Definition: Iustae nuptiae is a Latin term that means "legal marriage" in Roman law. It refers to a marriage between two individuals who had the legal capacity to wed. This type of marriage was the only union that created the familial relationship known as patria potestas.

Example: If a man and a woman who were both Roman citizens got married, their marriage would be considered iustae nuptiae. This is because they had the legal capacity to wed and their union satisfied all the rules of civil law.

Explanation: The example illustrates the definition of iustae nuptiae by showing that the marriage between two individuals who had the legal capacity to wed is considered a legal marriage. This type of marriage creates the familial relationship known as patria potestas, which gives the father of the family complete control over his children and their property.