The Twelve Tables

If someone is accused and called to go to court, he must go. If he does not go, he may send a witness to stand for him. If he does not come or send a witness, he may be captured and forced to come to court.

• fair

• unfair

If a person owes a debt and is brought to court, he shall have 30 days to pay the debt. After 30 days if the debt is not paid, the person owing the debt may be put in chains. After 60 days in custody the person owing the debt can be sold into slavery or be put to death if the debt is not settled.

• fair

• unfair

Parents have the right to sell their children into slavery.

• fair

• unfair

If a child is born with a severe deformity, it shall be killed.

• fair

• unfair

If a person goes insane, he shall not have power over his goods and they shall be given to his nearest male relative.

• fair

• unfair

Women shall always be given a male guardian to accompany them.

• fair

• unfair

Women shall always be given a male guardian to accompany them.

• fair

• unfair

If a person’s road or building shall cause damage to another’s property, the owner of the road or building shall pay for the damage.

• fair

• unfair

If a person insults or gossips about another person publicly, the person who did the insulting or gossiping shall be clubbed to death.

• fair

• unfair

If a person injures another person physically, he will be injured in the same way unless he agrees to pay for damages.

• fair

• unfair