Legal Definitions - liberi

liberi

In ancient Roman law, liberi referred to children or descendants. They were the first rank of claimants in the praetorian rules of intestate succession, which means they had the right to inherit property if someone died without a will. This group included the sui heredes of the Twelve Tables and emancipated children. Liberi were considered legitimate heirs.

1. When Marcus died without a will, his liberi, including his son and daughter, were entitled to inherit his estate.

2. The law stated that if a man died without any liberi, his property would go to his nearest relatives.

These examples show how liberi were the first in line to inherit property if someone died without a will. They were considered legitimate heirs and included children and descendants, as well as emancipated children.