Legal Definitions - emptor familiae

Definition: Emptor familiae is a Latin term that means "estate purchaser" in English. In Roman law, it refers to a trustee who received an inheritance by a fictitious purchase and distributed it as the testator instructed.

Example: In ancient Rome, when someone was about to die and there was no imminent sitting of the Comitia, they would convey all their property to a person who is described as the familiae emptor. This person would then distribute the property as per the instructions given by the testator.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the concept of emptor familiae was used in ancient Rome to ensure that a person's property was distributed according to their wishes even if they were unable to make a true will. The familiae emptor acted as a trustee and carried out the testator's instructions, ensuring that their property was distributed as per their wishes.