Romanistic tradition in successory law. Some considerations for the Regula Catoniana

Abstract

In the present study, we will analyze succinctly the content of the Regula Catoniana, included in D. 34.7.1, which in the matter of legacies, prevents the production of effects of a invalid legacy ab initio, regardless of the moment in the one that the death of the testator, has taken place and even if the invalidating cause has disappeared, considering that, if it´s invalid at the time of being granted, it shall be null at all times, making special reference to one of the cases of application of the aforementioned rule, as is the legacy rem legatarii. At the same time, we will reflect briefly on the matter contained in the Spanish Civil Code, regarding the legacy of thing belonging to the legatee, to determine the influence of Roman legal provisions in the configuration of this type of legacy at present.