DUBIOUS LEGAL NATURE OF THE SALE ON APPROVAL

OVERVIEW OF ROMANISTIC THEORIES OF D.19,5,20PR.-1 (ULPIANUS LIBRO 32 AD EDICTUM)

Abstract

The paper deals with the sale on approval of horses and mules shown in
D.19,5,20 pr.- 1 (Ulpianus libro 32 ad edictum) and the existing theories on the legal position of the parties in the source. The first part of the paper sets out principium of D.19,5,20, where Ulpian quotes Labeo, and his description of the sale on approval of horses, concluded between the seller and the acrobatic rider – desultor, with a detailed analysis of the interpretations of relevant romanists. The principium is analyzed with
the reference to dominant theories: theses on the suspensive and/or resolutive condition pactum displicentiae, on the innominate contract, and on pre-contractual acts. This is followed by an analysis of Ulpian’s sequel in the first paragraph of D.19,5,20 with a quotation of Mela, where he describes the sale on approval of mules, which are stolen
during the test period, with Ulpian’s quote of Mela’s dilemma and of comparison with his own. Next part of the paper contains theories and interpretations of the legal nature of the relationship between the parties and the stage of contract. In conclusion, author presents his own position on the both presented situations, the legal nature of
the relationship between the parties, and finally on the legal problem raised by Ulpian in the cited sources.