Legal Definitions - sententia

Sententia is a term originating from Roman and civil law that refers to a considered opinion, a formal judgment, or a definitive judicial decision. It represents an authoritative pronouncement, often by a legal expert or a court, on a matter of law or fact.

• Example 1: A Jurist's Interpretation

  Imagine a renowned legal scholar in ancient Rome, such as Ulpian, authoring a detailed commentary on a complex provision of the *Lex Aquilia*, a Roman law concerning damage to property. His written analysis, which offered a specific interpretation of how the law should apply to a novel situation, would be considered a sententia.

  This illustrates sententia as a well-reasoned legal opinion or judgment from an authoritative figure, which helped to shape the understanding and application of the law in its time.

• Example 2: A Court's Final Ruling

  In a contemporary civil law jurisdiction, a district court presides over a contentious case concerning a property boundary dispute between two neighbors. After carefully examining all presented evidence, witness testimonies, and legal arguments, the presiding judge issues a final written ruling that definitively establishes the correct boundary line and outlines the rights and obligations of each party.

  Here, the court's definitive ruling, which resolves the dispute and establishes the legal outcome for the parties involved, perfectly embodies sententia as a formal judicial decision.