1.40 to 1.48

obligatio litteris contracta -a contract entered into by writing. obligatio re contracta -a contract entered into by conduct. obligatio verbis contracta -a contract entered into by words. occupatio -acquisition of ownership by possession of a thing not previously owned or a thing abandoned by its owner. *pater familias -the “head of the household,” holding the patria potestas over all descendants, male and female, through the male line (i. e. ,the agnatic family). He also had power over those in bondage through mancipatio (i. e. ,adopted sons and wives). Persons in his power were subject to his control in many matters, including life or death and marriage. They were incapable of owning property and everything they acquired passed to the pater familias . The powers of a pater familias did not cease until his death. *patria potestas -the right of the pater familias over the persons and property of the members of his agnatic family and slaves. It included the right to put to death and entitlement to virtually all property and contractual rights acquired by his dependents. *patronus -the former master of a slave. He had many rights over the freed slave (libertinus ),including the performance of services (opera )and certain rights of inheritance. The freedman was obliged to show respect (obsequium )to his patron and was barred from bringing criminal actions against him or actions involving infamia . **peculium -personal fund of a son or slave allowed by the pater familias (who retained full ownership of the money). A son did have full control over the peculium castrense (funds acquired while on military service). **per aes et libram -the weighing out of copper or bronze necessary for a formal sale.