Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: Familiae Emptor
Definition: Familiae Emptor is a Latin term that means "estate purchaser" in English. In Roman law, it refers to a trustee who received an inheritance through a fictitious purchase and distributed it according to the testator's instructions. This person acted as a substitute for the heir and was responsible for carrying out the wishes of the deceased. It was a common practice for people who were unable to make a true will due to the absence of Comitia to transfer their property to a Familiae Emptor. However, it is unclear whether the instructions given to the Familiae Emptor were enforceable.