De appellationibus libri
Ex libro II
Marcianus, On Appeals, Book II. After an appeal has been filed, letters should be sent by the official from whom the appeal is taken, to him who is to hear it, whether this be the Emperor, or someone else; which letters are called notices, or dispatches. 1The form of these letters is as follows, for instance: “Lucius Titius has appealed from the decision of So-and-So, rendered between him and So-and-So.” 2It is sufficient to have demanded these notices earnestly and frequently within the prescribed time, and if the judge does not accede to the demand, this can be proved by witnesses; for the Imperial Constitutions require that the party who applies for such a notice should do so with vehemence. Therefore, it is but just that, if he who should grant the notice is to blame for not doing so, this shall not prejudice the person who made the demand.
Marcianus, On Appeals, Book II. This privilege is granted to those who are absent on business for the State, in order that they may not be required to defend themselves.