Roman Civil Procedure: From Legis Actiones to Extraordinary Procedure
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I. Legis Actiones
This archaic procedure allowed for self-help and private revenge while also incorporating a rigid, formal ritual. It consisted of two phases:
A. In Iure (Before the Magistrate)
This phase was steeped in formalism. The process began with a summons, a form of moral intimidation compelling the defendant to appear. Both parties would agree to return on another day for litigation. The legis actiones included:
- Actio Sacramenti (Action by Oath): A general procedure used for concrete claims where the law did not provide a specific action. It could be in rem (to protect property rights) or in personam (to protect debt claims).
- Actio per Iudicis Postulationem (Action at the Request of the Judge): Used to claim debts arising from stipulatio