De tigno iuncto
(Concerning the Theft of Timbers Joined to a Building.)
1Ad Dig. 47,3,1Windscheid: Lehrbuch des Pandektenrechts, 7. Aufl. 1891, Bd. I, § 188, Note 16.Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book XXXVII. The Law of the Twelve Tables does not permit a beam which has been stolen to be detached from a house, or a stake to be removed from a vine, or an action be brought for its recovery; which provision has been prudently established by the law to prevent buildings from being demolished, or the culture of vines being interfered with, under this pretext. But where anyone is convicted of having united these things, the law grants an action for double damages against him. 1In the term “beam” are included all the materials of which a house is composed, and everything necessary for vines. Wherefore, certain authorities hold that tiles, stone, brick, and other materials which are useful in building (for the word beam is derived from the verb to cover), as well as lime and sand, are embraced in this appellation. Also, in the case of vines, everything required for their cultivation is included under this term, as, for instance, stakes and props. 2An action for the production of property is, however, granted, for he cannot be indulged who, knowing property to belong to another, includes it in, or joins it to, or connects it with his own building, for we do not sue as the possessor, but as one who has committed fraud to avoid being in possession.
2Ad Dig. 47,3,2Windscheid: Lehrbuch des Pandektenrechts, 7. Aufl. 1891, Bd. I, § 188, Note 16.The Same, On Sabinus, Book XLII. If, however, you suppose that suit has been brought for stolen timbers joined to a house, the question may arise whether an action for the recovery of the property will lie independently. I do not doubt that it will.