De cessione bonorum
(Concerning Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors.)
1Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book XVII. The privilege of collecting money loaned for the repair of buildings is granted to a creditor.
2The Same, On the Edict, Book XXI. In personal actions, those Who have subsequently made contracts, and whose money has been paid to former creditors, are subrogated to them.
3The Same, On the Edict, Book LVIII. He who has made an assignment of his property is not deprived of it before the sale; and therefore, if he is ready to set up a defence, his property will not be sold.
4The Same, On the Edict, Book LIX. If he who makes an assignment afterwards acquires any property, he can be sued to the extent of his ability to pay. 1Sabinus and Cassius think that he who has made an assignment cannot any longer be annoyed, even by others to whom he is indebted.
5Paulus, On the Edict, Book L. He who repents of having made an assignment can, by setting up a defence, prevent it from being sold.
6Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book LXIV. If a man who has made an assignment acquires anything else of trifling value, after the sale has taken place, his property cannot be sold a second time. But, in what way can we make an estimate of this, in order to determine its value? Must it be determined by the quantity of the property which has been acquired, or by its quality? I think that the question should be decided with reference to the quantity, provided we know that something has been left with him through compassion, as, for instance, a sum to be paid monthly or annually for his support; and in such a case, it is not necessary for his property to be sold a second time, for he should not be deprived of his daily subsistence. The same rule will apply if the usufruct of property from which he only receives a sum sufficient for his support has been either granted or bequeathed to him.
7Modestinus, Pandects, Book II. When the property of a debtor is sold; upon the demand of creditors, a second sale of his property is allowed to be made until his entire indebtedness is discharged, provided the debtor has made acquisitions sufficient to justify the Prætor in taking action.
9Marcianus, Institutes, Book V. An assignment can not only be made in court, but out of it. It is sufficient for it to be established by means of a messenger or a letter.