Legal Definitions - lex Junia Velleia

Definition: The lex Junia Velleia is a law in Roman law that was enacted in A.D. 26. It states that certain types of descendants must be treated as children born after the death of the decedent for the purpose of inheritance.

Example: If a person dies without a will, their property will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy. The lex Junia Velleia would apply if the decedent had a child who was conceived before their death but born after their death. This child would be considered a posthumously born child and would have the same inheritance rights as any other child of the decedent.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the lex Junia Velleia applies in the context of inheritance. It ensures that posthumously born children are not disadvantaged in terms of inheritance rights and are treated equally to other children of the decedent.