Information for Andrew Fletcher of Aberlady and his tutor against Sir Archibald Murray of Blackbarrony, and Sir Patrick Murray of Saltcoats and others.

The Opinion of the Ʋniversity of LAYDEN.

Facti Species.

EXActorum Scoticanorum, in lin∣guam Latinam Translatorum Exemplis Exhibitis cum facti Species haec apparuerit, Dominum An∣draeam Fletcher certo pretio sibi com∣parrasse territorium Aberlady, sed prop∣ter Constitutum Dominae de Kennedo de Ardmillan in territorio illis usum fructum, Id inter venditorem emptorem∣que expressa fuisse actum pactione ut penes emptorem usu fructu durante resi∣dua temaneret ex pretio promisso quan∣titas 42000 Mercarum quo posset ex istius pecuniae usuris annuis ex more regionis Ad 2500 Marcas ascendentibus prestare totidem marcarū quantitas an nuatim usu fructuariae x jure usu fructus debita & ex solvenda. Mortuo dein emp∣tore relicto filio Minorenne Archibaldo Fletcher Curatores ejus Dominum de Blackbarrony & alios transegisse cum Domina fructuaria annum aetatis agente 56 ac Cancro tunc laborante, ut illa acceptis simul & semel 13000 Marca∣rum, jus suum usu fructus Domino pro∣prietatis Minorenni Cederet atque ita omni renunciaret Juri servitutis. In hujus autem transactionis securitatem Cura∣tores spopondisse ac propriam devinx∣isse personam: At que in super pupillo suo autores fuisse ut ille annum aetatis agens septimum & decimum jure juran∣do sollenni promitteret se illam trans∣actionem ratam Habiturum, nec un∣quam eandem Impugnaturum. Fructua∣riam his ita gestis Brevi post ex cancro extinctam fuisse ipsum quoque minoren∣nem fato functum successorem habuisse fratris fui filium Andream Fletcher aduc impuberem. Huic cum per Curatores defuncti lis mota fuisset ad restitutio∣nem 13000 marcarum transactione comprehensarum quas illi de suo aiebant ex solutas, succubuisse impuberem in

supremo Scotiae Concessu juridico dene∣gata ei quam ex defuncti patrui capite Imploraverat restitutione in integrum adversus transactionem defuncti mino∣ris nomine per Curatores cum fructuaria initam & ab ipso minore defuncto per jus jurandam firmatam. Ab ea vero sententia ad Parliamentum Scoticanum fuisse impuberis nomine ex more Jure{que} concesso appellatum. Nos qui subsig∣navimus in Academia Lugduno Batava antecessores Juridicam Constituentes Facultatem nostram de hac inter Cura∣tores & minoris successorem lite men∣tem exponere responso juridico rogati, duo potissimum arbitrati sumus excuti∣enda esse primo quidem an ad curatorum officium pertinuerit jus ac potestas transactionem de usu fructu tali pro suo minorenni in eundi; de inde an omne in integrum restitutionis auxilium omne∣que aliud juris praesidium minori aut ejus successori prae ripueret interpositum a minore annum decimum & septimum agente jus jurandum transactionis fir∣mandae causa adjectum?

Primum quod attinet & si jura non in universum omnem Curatoribus trans∣actionem interdicant, sed eam tantum qua jus liquidum Pupilli similiumque remittitur, L. pignore 54. ss: ult: l. inter∣dum 56. ss. qui intelam 4. D. de furtis. l. prefes 12. Cod. de transaction l. Lucius 46. ss. ult. D. de adm: & perit. tut. Junct: l. non omne 16. Cod: Eod. tit: de Adm: tutor: Tiraquel. lus Ad L: si unquam 8 Cod: de revoc. Donat. in verbis donatione largitus num. 196. paulus Montanus de tutelis cap. 33. num. 239, 240. & seqq, & num. 289, 290, 291. Tamen de hisce demun Casibus sententia haec Admittenda est in quibus litis presentis vel Imminen∣tis dubius est expectandus eventus, atque adeo in quibus si transactione negotium non componeretur, Judiciali tandem sententia foret inter partes contendentes decidendum; Tunc etenim cum omnino facto hominis decisio sequi debeat & in certa ac ambigua causarum fata sint in certique triumphi satius saepe est verae re∣dimendae gratia non nihil de jure pupilli remittere quam experiundo de jure sum∣mo

& extrema tentando pupillum amit∣tendi totius per••culo exponere: Unde & hanc in tutoribus transigendi licen∣tiam praecipue eo niti fundamento quod honesta Censer•• debeat ac verecunda minime{que} vitu peranda tutorū cogitatio lites execrantium videre est apud Mon∣tanum d. tract. de tut. cap 33. num. 254. & seq. Aliter statuendum ubi nulla lis est vel Metuitur ubi non per judicis senten∣riam incertitudo si quae naegotiis pupilla∣tibus subsit definienda est, & ab incerta judicis periti imperitive circumspecti aut imprudentis opinione, captu{que} vacillante, lucrum pupilli aut damnū dependet, sed tantum a natura & eventu Conditionis aut diei ex quo suspensa est duratio at{que} interitus rei, determinationem debet ex∣pectate, ubi den que jus pupilli, nulla sui parte Contraversum, sed planum, certumque apparet Quae om••ia in presenti concurrere facti specie mani∣festum est: Quippe in qua uti certum erat Minori jus proprietatis in re empta competere, ita è contrario evidens quo∣que erat nullum jus usus fructus cum proprietate consolidandi ei••em aquiren∣dum fuisse: nisi extincto per usu fructu∣ariae mortem usu fructu; & uti nullo probabili Ratione per Judicis sententi∣am fructuaria ante obitum potuisset au∣ferri jus usus fructus ac Pupillo addici, ita nec vice versa spem usus fructus ad pro∣prietatē reversuri potuisse diminui Pupil∣lo aut interverti; sed omnino ex incerta Mortalitatis eventu, quandoque extituro usus fructus constituti finem pendere.

Nec est quod regeratur Curatorum hoc unum fuisse propositum ut suo quam maxime consulerent pupillo, paucorum annorum (quinque videlicet & paulo amplius) prestatione presenti jus usus fructus adjiciendo proprietati, a qua il∣lud potuisset forte annis integris quadra∣ginta aut diutius mansisse seperatum; Cum fructuaria transactionis tempore annum agens sextum & quinquagesi mum potuerit naturaliter ad annum Centesimum tanquam finem vitae lon∣gaevi hominis aetatem perducere & à jure fruendi proprietarium minorem impe dire, L an usus fructus 56. D de usu fructu. Etenim primo quidem illud con∣siderandum,

permissum haud esse cura∣toribus certa suorum pupillorum Como∣da incertis exponere amissionis pericu∣lis aut res eorum diminuere lucri majoris incerti obtinendi spe & ita patrimonium diminuendi, causa transigere D. L. 46. ss. ult. D. de Admin. tut. cui consequens erat nec curatoribus hic competiisse fa∣cultatem faciendi ex substantia pupillari ttedecem Millium marcarum presentem jacturam aut erogationem; ut ex usu fructu sic redempto lucrum sentiret pu∣pillus post annorum quinque decursum, ubi & sine ulla numeratione potuisset Anno primo usus fructus finire, uti id e∣tiam in hac facti specie contigisse asseri∣tur. Quamvis enim haud sit eundum inficias, quin quandoque boni ac provi∣di patres familias medico praesenti soluto proprietati suae adjiciant usum fructum penes alterum existentē, qui redemptio∣ne praetermissa diutius potuisset a propri∣etate manere segregatus; non tamen quic∣quid diligens pater familias liberrimus rerum suarum moderator ac arbiter spe lucri majoris tentat, quicquid periculo amissionis non imprudenter exponat, cum emolumenti captandi voto, id etiam Curatoribus aliisque similibus rerum a∣lienarum administratoribus non liberum arbitrium, sed administrandi tantum po∣testatem habentibus, videre debet con∣cessum esse. Non omni titulo res Pu∣pilli alienandi potestatem Tutores ha∣bent, sed administrationis tantum cau∣sa distrahentes quae iis veuundare licet justam causam possidendi comparanti∣bus prestat, pro regula traditum est ab Impp: in L. non omni. 16. Cod: de Ad. Tut. Et certe ista si Tutoribus ac Cu∣ratoribus permittenda fuerint occasio facilis erit, ac via declivis qua Minores ad paupertatem festinent. Mercaturam exercere & ea ratione ad opulentiam grassare, Dominis permissum est; nec tamen ideo recte aut ex officii prescripto Tutor fecerit, si bene collocatos faenori nummos Pupillares, aut etiam otiosos, maturius ditescendi causa negotiationi instituendae impenderit unius forte naufragii calamitate in totum perituros hinc in L. qui negotiationem 58. D. de Ad, & per. Tut. cum pater Pupilli per du∣os

libertos suos mercaturam exercuisset nominatim Testamento suo caven••um censuit. Et Libertis hisce impuberi fi∣lio Tutoribus datis injungendum ut ne∣gotium eodem modo exerceretur quo se vivo exercebatur. Cumque alter Tu∣tor redactum ex ista negotiatione lucrum sibi cuperit reservatum, & pecu∣niae Pupillaris usuras inferendo defungi vellet, Responsum fuit eum debere Rationes reddere secundum defuncti vo∣luntatem adeoque lucrum omne Ne∣gotiationis ac damnum Pupillo impu∣tate. Cui consequens erit ipsum Libe∣randum fuisse sola usuarum prestatione & suo periculo fuisse negotiaturum si non nominatim Pupilli Pater Testamen∣to suo negotiationis praecipisset continu∣ationem. Unde & interpretes merito Colligerent tutorem non posse mercatu∣ram, a defuncto Pupilli Patre non exer∣citam, Pupilli nomine & periculo ex∣ercere, & si Pater exercuerit non alio modo quam quo is egerat continuare; uti post Alexandrum vol. 5. consiil. 132 num. 14. & Marquardum de Mercatura L. 1. cap. 9 num. 5. & seq. Notat Bru∣nem annusad dict. L, 58. de ad tut num. 3. Mercium quoque transvehendarum pe riculum lege ac consuetudine probante. In se recipiunt non pauci Patres familias Industrii accepto presenti periculipretio; nec tamen Jure quisquam hanc curato∣ribus asseruerit potestatem ut Pupillo∣rum suorum nomine ac periculo rerum trajectitiarum promitterent securitatem, seu (ut loquuntur) facerent assecuratio∣nem. Nec ignotum, licitas esse de he∣reditatibus ex fidei commisso post mor∣tem fiduciarii restituendis transactiones, ut vel fiduciarius statim ipse vivus resti∣tuat, retenta hereditatis parte, vel fidei commissarius presente modico accepto contentus ulteriori renuntiet spei. L. 1. Cod. de pactis l. cum proponas 16 Cod. de pactis l. de fidei commiss. 11. Cod. de transact. Iniquum tamen sore; si haec transigendi Species arbitrio nudo Cura∣torum nullo Magistratus decreto & cog∣nitione inter veniente relinqueretur, in aperto est. Reditus denique vitalitios emere haud insolitum illis qui rerum suarum satagunt: ex quo emtionis gene∣re

licet Pupillis ad aetatem provexiorem per∣venturis non leve lucrū accedere possit, quia tamen sors ipsa Pupillo brevi post moriente, possit perire, potestatis sui terminos Curator accesserit si Pupilla¦rem pecuniam in Redituum talium ac∣quisitionem Pupilli periculo voluerit erogatam. Adeo ut nunc apud Hol∣landos (ubi redituum talium vitalitiorum frequentissimus usus est) anno 1671. 3 Octob: urgentibus utilitatibus fisci, tunc unde quaque pecuniis conquirentis, per Hollandiae ordines cautum suerit tutores & Curatores extra cavillationis aut re∣prehentionis metū posse pupillorū pecu∣niis & periculo ac commodo tales abaera∣rio reditus comparare sed tamen non ali∣ter quam praecedente curiae provincialis vel Magistratus decreto. Et quamvis Hol∣landorum juribus exteros non ligari ex∣peditum sit, rationabilem tamen & li∣mitatum ex aequo tutorum potestatem etiam ex aliarum gentium moratiorum usibus confirmari absonum non est. At, quid, obfecro, interest, reditum vita∣litium quis pupillo comparet & sortem perdat, an presenti 13000. Mercarum pretio incertam redimat usus fructus itidem a mortalitate dependentis, dura∣tionem?

Accedit hisce quod in casu proposito usus fructus ipse; si à proprietate diutius mansisset separatus nullo tamen modo damnosus aut onerosus esse potuisset Pupillo: Quippe penes quem durante usus fructus jure tanta pretii quantitas vi pacti expressi residua debeat esse, ut ex usuris ejus usufructuariae quotannis sa∣tisfieri potuerat: Sic ut nulla satis justa aut urgens transigendi ratio vi∣deri possit subfuisse. Etiamsi enim per Curatores allegatum sit non nisi decem millia ex millibus quadraginta duobus, retentis fuisse Transactionis tempore residua; cum tamen id non appareat, nec dum redditis tutelae Rationibus, & si maxime pateret, ratiocinia supe∣riora nequaquam subvertaret, inducti omnino sumus, ut existimemus Cura∣tores in presenti facti specie de usu fructu transigentis, solutis tredecem mercarum millibus, absque ulla precedente Ma∣gistratus cognitione ac decreto egressus

potestatis Curatoriae limites, & ea egisse quae ad Curatoris officium ac administrationem non pertinebant: at{que} adeo transactionem illam ut ipso jure nullam; nullum potuisse pupillo prejudicium inferre.

Sed & si summo jure hoc transactionis genus Curatoribus permissum esse statueretur (ut cumque contrarium abunde ad structum sit) Non tamen propterea deneganda minori foret adversus laesionem ex hac transactione illatam restitutio; Cum sat magna imo supina negli∣gentia (dolum enim si non manifeste probetur sive testibus sive juris jurandi remedio, in Cu∣ratoribus familiae splendore Generosis presu∣mere fas non est) in ea Caelebranda videatur Commissa, quod scilicet non diligentius in con∣ditionem & valetudinem fructuariae cum qua transigendum erat inquisiverint. Cum enim Mortalitas ex probabilibus aetatis, debilitatis, morbi, aliis{que} Circumstantis, Serius otiusve fructuariae superventura unicum fuerit trans∣actionis interponendi fundamentum, necesse omnino fuit, ut curiosa plane in corporis habi∣tum ac valetudinem fructuariae inquisitio ad hiberetur, quae si intercessisset, etiam Cancri scientia & inde mortis pro pediem imminentis suspitio potuisset ad curatores aeque ac ad alios pervenisse, nec bona fides fuisset dein passa ut ad hujusmodi transactionem Certiorati pro∣cessissent cum tam manifesta pecuniae pupilla∣ris jactura. Dum ergo in eo indagando negli∣gentes fuerint negare nequit quin ex lata eo∣rum culpa in hoc 13000 marcarum damnum Minor inciderit. Minoribus vero ita laesis per in integrum restitutionem solere succurri juris ideo triti ac certi est ut probatione haud opus sit.

Alteram ex jure jurando minoris ad trans∣actionem firmandam interposito, natam con∣traversiam

ac difficultatem ut enodemus; in antecessum praemittendum existimamus, ita de∣mum de jure Romano Sacramenta puberum in∣violabiter fuisse custodienda ex vulgata L. 1. & Anthens. Sacram. puber. Cod. si adversus vendit. si de caetero omnia legittime Gesta fuissent ex legū prescripto, sic ut summo jure rata ac firma fuerint nec alia quam ex capite laesionis per Minorennitatem Contingentis restitutio in in∣tegrum adversus ea fuisset metuenda; Cum alioquin non ex prescripto legum per minores contracta atque adeo nulla ni restitutionis qui∣dem auxilio indiguerint uti id ex L. quidem 11. Cod. de prediis & aliis reb. minor. 25. annis. Abunde colligitur dum re scriptum fuit decreto non in∣terposito de prediis minorum Alienandis super vacuum esse de vili praetio rei distractae tractare Cum senatus consulti autoritas retento Domi∣nio alienandi viā obstruxerit; interposito vero decreto, & ita jureperfecto venditione restitutio∣nē adversus viliori praetio factam distractionē potuisse impetrari. At si jus jurandum mino∣ris in super accessisset, Tum demum verum fuit restitutionis remedium fuisse denegatum per dict. L. 1. Cod. si adversus vendit. ita sentienti∣bus nobiscum Donello Commentar. Jur. Civil. l. 21. cap. 13. Zousio ad pandect. Tit. de minor 25. annis Num 40: Peresio ad tit. Cod. si adversis ven∣dit. Num. 1.2. Quamvis enim pluribus arrisit Martini opinio etiam invalidos minorum con∣tractus jure jurando validos & firmos effici contendentis quos longa serie recenset, Joh. a sand de prohibita, alien••••••••••e cap. 1. num. 94. Bulgari tamen ad sola negotia summo jure valida D. L. 1. & D. authenti{que} restringentis sententiam saniori Romani juris prudentiae rationi conve∣niri arbitramur, Nam cum ea quae per majo∣rennes quoscunque contra leges gesta sunt sic ipso jure nulla sint ut nec jus jurandum eis firmitatem adere queat L. non dubium 5. Cod. de Leg. L. juris Gentium 7. §. & Generaliter 16. de pactis: Necesse est ut absurditatis evitandae Causa longe magis infirma manere dicamus per minorem contra leges gesta, utcunque juris jurandi Religione firmata nisi deteriorem minorennium vellemus esse conditionem in contrahendo quam majorennium contra mani∣festum minoris aetatis favorem.

Haec si presenti accomodentur negotio aper∣tum erit, jus jurandum a minore transactionis firmandi causa interpositum minore non posse aut debere effectu inspecto damnosum esse. Sive enim transactionem ipso jure nullum con∣cipiamus, tanquam ad curatoris officium haud pertinentem, & sine Magistratus decreto factam, non potuit actus ille ipso jure invalidus ex ac∣cessorio jure jurando per minorem prestito ul∣lum accipere firmitatem. Sin ex adverso trans∣actionem summo jure substitisse quis contendat (licet contra rationes juris ante propositas) ta∣men cum laesio minoris ex manifesta ac magna curatorum negligentia appareat jusjurandum

minoris impedire nequit extraordinarium re∣stitutionis adjutorium, huic aetate laesae solitum indulgeri; eo quod evidenti laborat defectu ac ipso jure nullum est. Quemadmodum enim in aliis quibuscunque minorum Curatores ha∣bentium Conventionibus necessaria omnino est Curatorū autoritas ea{que} deficienteinutile prorsus est quicquid gestum fuerit, nec alio habendum loco quam quo contracta per eos quibus curato∣ri per praetorem dato bonis inter dictum est. L. si Curatorem 3. Cod, de in integrum restit: Minor. ita quoque irritum ipso jure Censeri debet jus jurandum illud promissorium quo minor se contra contractus interpositi fidem non ventu∣rum policetur, si Curatoris autoritas deficiat. Licet autem presenti in negotio primo fronte videri possit Curatorum autoritatem haud de fuisse dum hi ipsi minorem ad juris jurandi re∣ligionem exhortati sunt ac induxerunt; per pensis tamen penitius rei gestae circumstantiis in notescet facile ipso jure nullam fuisse hanc cura∣torum autoritatem. si modo conferre libuerit vulgatam juris Regulam quae tutores ac cura∣tores in rem suam propriam, propriam{que} utili tatem autores fieri diserte vetat, ac tali casu Curatores ad istum actū specialiter constituendi Consensum requirit L. 1. D. de autor. Tut §. ult. Insti••ut. eod. tit. Etenim tran••actio de usu fructu plenissimam esset adepta securitatem ac firmi∣tatem in commodum fructuariae quae Curato∣res opulentas satis, ad implementum transactio∣nis proprio nomine sibi reddiderat devinctos, & inde efficaciter convenire poterat, utcun{que} alioquin transactio in se spectata omni fuisset firmitate destituta, Arg. L. & si is. 9. Cod. de prediis & aliis rev. minor. sine decret. non alienand. Super vacaneum prorsus fuit quantum quidem ad fructuariam attinet, hoc subsecutum mino∣ris sacramentum; ac proinde concipi non potest in alterius cujusquam quam curatorum ipsorum utilitatem securitatem{que} excogita tum acpresti∣stitum, scilicet, ut vel ipsi liberarentur ab actione, tutelae, per pupillum postea adversus se ob damnosam transactionem & dissipatam sine necessitate uel utilitate pecuniam pupilla∣rem movendae, vel ne ipsi ex suo intercessione apud fructuariam facta conventi ac solventes in damno harerent. Si ipsis quantitatem tre∣decem millium Mercarum postea repetentibus aut in pupilli Rationes Imputantibus, nulli∣tatem transactionis minor opositurus fuisset vel saltem extraordinarium adversus damnosam transactionem auxilium imploraturus At quid quaeso est in rem suam Curatores autores fieri, si haec non est, ubi omni modo sibi securitatem & ab actione tutelae lib••rationem ex minoris Sacramento, autoritate sua & hortatu prestito tentarunt obtinere.

Quibus omnibus tandem ex abundanti adji∣ciendum est l. 1. & auth Sacramentum puberum Cod, si adversus vendit; ita communi Gentium usu esse abolitam testantibus illud hispanis,

Italis, Gallis, Belgis, aliisque juris interpreti∣bus ac pragmaticis ut quaeri merito possit, in qua orbis parte aut quo in angulo reservatis e∣tiam num fuerit hujus l. & Authen: usus & hoc quidem urgentissima ratione cum experientia docuisset eodem aetatis lubrico eademque facili∣tate qua ad contrahendum in Substantiae suae pernitiem inducuntur Minores, etiam ad con∣tractus suos jure Jurando muniendos instigari & permoveri ac multa minorum Patrimonia exhausta fuisse prae textu Sacramenti quod per in fidias artesque non bonas aetate fragili judicii imbecilitate laborante contrahentium captiosa extorserat avaritia & per fas nefasque lucrandi cupido Christineus vol. 5. decis. 225 num. 20. & seq. Pinellus ad l 2. Cod. ae rescind. rendit. part 3. Cap. 1. num. 11. Argentreus, ad consuetudine Brittan. Art. 471. num. 1. 2. Gudelinus, de jure novis. l. 3. Cap. 14. vers. non immorabor Hen. Kinshot Re∣sponso 102. num. 18. Bugneon de l. Abrogat l. 1. Satyra 119. Peresius Tit. Cod si adversus vendit. num. ult. Aliique quos referr Groenewgn. de leg. Abrogat. ad D. ut si adversus vendit. & Christineus in notis ad Bugnion. D. loco. At{que} hinc ipsis quo{que} frisiis licet alioquin religiosissimis Romani juris cultoribus & asseclis in tantum D l. •••• & Authen, displicuit dispositio, ut san citum ab iis fuerit re∣nunciationes ac Contractus Minorū juratas non plus operari quā in juratas simul{que} prohibitum, ne tabellionis jure jurando subjecerent contrac∣tus minorū, vel ab ipsis exigerent Sacramenta sub paena amissionis officii & alia Arbitraria, Statuta Frizii. l. 1. tit. 7. §. 5. Job. a sand. D. pro∣hibit, aliena Cap. 1. num. 97. in quam sere sen∣tentiam etiam Parliamentū. Scotiae anno. 1681. statutum. Concepisse Suggestum nobis est.

Propter quae omnia nulli dubitamus quin Minor adversus hanc Transactionem juratam, de qua lis est, succurendum sit, ne ullam inde Laesionem sustineat, atque ita juris esse, secun∣dum animi norstri Religionem censemus, in quorum fidem hisce subscripsimus, ac Minore Accademiae Sigillo Responsum Munivimus: Lugduni in Batavis die 7. May 1693.

Sic Subtr.

• Pr. Vitriarius J. C. t9. Pt. Acad. Rect.
• Johannes Voet.
• Anton. Matthaeus,
• ...Loci Sigilli
• Gerardus Noodd.

The State of the Affair.

SEeing this hath appeared to be the matter of Fact, from the shewed Copies of the Scotish Registers translated into Latine, that Sir Andrew Fletcher at a certain rate purchased to himself the Lands Aberlady's: But because of a Liferent Annuity in these Lands of Jean Seatoun Spouse unto Kenuedy of Ardmillan; It was agreed upon by the express Paction between the Seller and Buyer, that while the Liferent continued, the sum of 42000 Me••ks of the Prom••sed price should remain in the hands of the Buyer, that from the yearly Interest of that Money (according to the custom of the Coun∣trey) amounting to 2500 Merks, the quantity of so many Merks might be se∣cured due, and to be payed yearly to the Liferentrix according to her Life∣rent Right. The Buyer having Decea∣sed and left a Son Minor, Archbald Fletcher, his Curators the Laird of Black∣barrony, and the other Curators Trans∣acted with the Lady's Liferentrix going into the fifty six year of her Age, and then Diseased with a Cancer; that she for thirteen thousand Merks should quite her Liferent R ght to the Proprie∣tor being Minor; and so should renounce all Right of Servitude. But for Security of this Transaction, the Curators be∣came Caution, and bound their own Person; and moreover perswaded their Pupil that he being but Sixteen years of Age, should promise by a Solemn Oath to ratify that Transaction, and never to quarrel or Impugne it, that these things being so done within a short time after the Liferentrix Dyed, of the said Cancer, that the Minor himself also hav∣ing Dyed, had a Successor his Brothers Son Andrew Fletcher, as yet an Infant.

And the Curators of the Desunct having intented an Action against him, for Restitution of the thirteen Thousand Merks comprehended in the Transacti∣on, which they pretended were payed out of their own Money, that the said Aberlady was overcome in the Action: In the Supreme Court of Justice of Scot∣land, Restitution in Integrum being denyed to him which he had implored on the head of his Deceast Fathers Bro∣ther, against the Transaction made by the Curators with the Liferentrix in name of the Deceast Minor and con∣firmed by the Defunct Minor himself by an Oath. And that an Appeal had been made from that Sentence to the Parlia∣ment of Scotland in the name of the Child, according to the Custom and Right granted. We Subscribers, Doctors and Professors of Law in the Universi∣ty of Leiden, constituting the Faculty of Law, being desired, to declare our Opinion in Law anent this Plea between the Curators, and Successor of the Mi∣nor; have judged that two things espe∣cially are to be inquired into first. Whither a Right and power of making a Transaction about such, a Liferent for their Minor belonged to the Office of Curators. Next whether the Oath gi∣ven by the Minor going in the Seven∣teen year of his Age, added for confirm∣ation of the Transaction took away from the Minor or his Successor all help of Restitution in integrum and all other aid of the Law.

As to the first, Albeit the Law doth not Discharge Curators altogether from all Transactions, but that only whereby the clear Right of the Pupil and the like is remitted l pignore 54 ss. ult. l. inter. dum 56. ss. qui tutelam 4. D. de furtis. l. praeses 12. Cod. de Transaction: l: Lu∣cius, 46: ss. ult: D. administrat. & peric: tutor. iuuct. l. non omni 16 Cod, eod, tit. de adminictrat. tutor. Tyraquellus ad l. si unquam. 8. Cod. de revocand. do. uation. in verbis donatione largitus. num. 196 Paulus Montanus de tutelis Cap. 33. num. 239. 240 & seqq. & num 289. 290. 291. Nevertheless this O∣pinion is only to be admitted concerning

these Cases, in which doubtful event is to be expected of the present approach∣ing or iminent Plea; and so in which if the Business should not be agreed by a Transaction, it would come at last to be decided by a Judicial sentence, be∣tween the Parties contending, for then seeing the decision ought to follow al∣together by the Judgement of a man, and the Destinies of Causes are uncer∣tain and doubtful and Triumphs uncer∣tain, it is ofttimes better for preserving of that which is ones Right to remit some∣thing of the Right of the Pupil, then by making a Tryal of the summum jus, and experimenting Extremities to ex∣pose the Pupil to the Hazard of loosing all: And even this power of Transact∣ing allowed to Curators especially lean∣eth on that Foundation, that the thought of Tutors abhor••ing Pleas ought to be judged Honest, and Modest, and not at all to be blamed, as is to be seen in Montanus. D. tract. de tutelis, Cap. 33 num. 254. & seqq. It is to be judged otherwayes, where there is, or is fear¦ed no Plea, where uncertainty (if there be any in the Pupils Business) is not to be determined by the Sentence of a Judge, and the gain or loss of a Pupil dependeth not on the uncertain Opinion and wavering Capacity of a skilful or un∣sk••lful, Circumspect or imprudent Judge, but only ought to be determined from the nature and event of the Con∣dition or day, from which the Durati∣on or ruine of the thing dependeth; Fi∣nally where it appeareth that the Right of the Pupil is controverted in no part of it self, but is plain, clear and certain All which do manifestly concurr in this Case: Because in this Case as it was certain, that the Minor had a Right of Property in the Estate Bought, so on the contrair it was also evident, that no Right of the Liferent to be joined and consol••dat with the Property was to be purchased by him, unless the Liferent had been extinct by the Death of the Liferentrix: And as with no probable Reason could the Right of the Liferent have been taken away from the Liferen∣trix before her Death, and granted to

the Pupil by the sentence of Judge, so again neither could the hope of the Life∣rent about to return to the Property have been diminished to the Pupil or convey∣ed away: But that the end of the ap∣pointed Liferent altogether dependeth on the event of uncertain Mortality at some time to happen.

Nor is there any ground to Reply, that this was the only purpose of the Cura∣tors, that they might provide for the good of their Pupil as much as was pos∣sible, with the present payment of a few Years Annuity (to wit, of five and a little more) by adding the right of Life∣rent to the property, from which per∣haps it might have remained separate fourty whole Years, or longer: Seeing the Liferentrix at the time of the Trans∣action going in the fifty and sixth Year of her age, might have naturally pro∣longed her Life to an Hundred Years, as to the end of the Life of a long living Man, and have hindred the Proprietar Minor from the Right of Enjoying. L. An. usus fructus 56. D de usu fructu.

For first indeed it is to be considered, That it is not permitted to Curators to expose the certain Advantages of their Pupils to the uncertain hazards of Lose∣ing, or to diminish their Goods in hope of obtaining a greater uncertain Gain; and so to Transact to diminish their E∣state. D. L. 46. ss ult. D. de admin. Tu∣tor. To which it was consequential, that neither had the Curators here a power of making the present loss, or bestowing of thirteen Thousand Merks out of the Pupil's substance, that from the Life∣rent so bought the Pupil might find gain after the running out of five Years; where even without any payment of ready Money, the Liferent might have ended the first Year; as that also is said to have hapened in this Matter of Fact: For although it is not to be denied, but that sometimes good and provident Pro∣prietars, having payed a little ready Money, may add to their own property a Liferent be••ng in the power of another which if the purchase had been neglect∣ed, might have continued longer sepa∣rate from the property: Nevertheless,

whatsoever a diligent Proprietar, who is a most free Manager and Judge of his own Goods, tryeth in hope of grea∣ter Gain, whatsoever he not imprudent∣ly exposeth to the hazard of Lossing with a desire of receiving Advantage,, that ought not to be granted also to Cu∣rators and other the like Administrators of other Mens Affairs: Who have not an absolute power, but only a liberty of managing, Tutors having not a power of alienating the Goods of their Pupill upon every pretence, but selling only for management what they have liberty to sell they warr and to the Purchasers a just Cause of possessing, is a Rule given by the Emperors in L non omvi. 16 Cod: de administr: Tut. And surely, if these things were to be permitted to Tutors and Curators they would give an easie occasion and ready way of hastning Mi∣nors to poverty. It is permitted to Ow∣ners to Merchandize, and by that means to strive to come to Wealth: Never∣theless, a Tutor shall not do rightly, or according to the prescript of his Office, if to become the sooner Rich he should bestow on Trading his Pupils Money that are well given out upon Interest, or are even lying idle, which perhaps may wholly perish by one Shipwrack. Hence in L. quì negotiationem 58 D. de Admi∣nistr. & peric. Tutor. When the Fa∣ther of a Pupil had excercised Merchan∣dize by two of his freed Men, he judged it was to be expresly cautioned in his Testament, and to be particularly ad∣joyned to these freed Men given as Tu∣tors to his Son a Child, that his Mer∣chandize should be managed in the same manner as it was managed while he him∣self was alive: And when the one of the Tutors desired the Gain made by that Traffiquing to be reserved to himself, and would discharge himself by giving the Interest of his Pupil's Money, an O∣pinion was given in Law that he ought to make his accounts according to the Will of the Dead, and so impute to the Pupil all the Gain and Damnage of the Traffique. To which it was consequent, that he was to be freed by the paying of the Interest alone, and was to Trade at

his own hazard, if the the Pupil's Father had not expresly in his Testament com∣manded the continuation of Traffiquing. Whence also Interpreters have deserved∣ly gathered, That a Tutor cannot in the Name and to the Hazard of the Pupil exercise Merchandize not exercised by the defunct Father of the Pupil, and if the Father have exercised it, to continue it in no other manner than he had done, as after Alexander Vol. 5. Consil. 132. num: 14. Et Marquard de Mercatura. lib: 1. cap: 9. num. 5. & ••eqq, marketh Brunemannus ad D. l. 58. de admin: tut: num: 3. Many industrious Proprie∣tars, h••ving before them the present pro∣spect of the danger, undertake the Ha∣zard of Transporting Wares, with the Approbation of Law and Custom, yet no Man will justly assert this power to Curators, that in the Name and to the Hazard of their Pupils they might pro∣mise Security of the things Transported, or (as they say) might insure them. Nor is it unknown that Transactions are lawful, about Inheritances of Trust to be restored after the Death of the Tru∣sty, that either the Trusty himself be∣ing alive may restore, having retained a great part of the Inheritance, or the Trusty presently being content with the present little received may quite further hope L. 1. Cod: de pactis: l. cum proponas 16 Cod: de pactis l. de fidei commisso. 11. Cod: de Transaction: Nevertheless, it is plain that it would be unjust, if this sort of Transacting should be left to the bare pleasure of the Curators, no De∣creet, Act, and Cognizance of a Ma∣gistrate interveening. Finally, it is not unusual to those who go diligently about their Affairs to buy Liferents. From which kind of Buying, although no small Gain might come to the Pupils, that are to arise to a more advanced Age: Ne∣vertheless, because the stock it self might perish, the Pupil dying shortly after, the Curator would go beyond the bounds of his power. if he would bestow the Pu∣pils Money on the purchasing of such Rents. So that now among the Hollan∣ders (where there is very frequent use of such Liferents) in the Year 1671

October 3. the Necessity of the Exchequer then calling for Money from whence soever be∣ing pressing, it was enacted by the States of Hol∣land, that Tutors and Curators without fear of Cavillation or Reprehension might purchase such Rents from the Treasury with their Pu∣pils Money, and to their Peril or Advantage, but yet no otherwayes than that a Decreet of the Court of the Province or Magistrate shovld preceed: And albeit it be soon Answe∣red, that Strangers are not bound by the Laws of the Hollanders; yet it is not absurd, that the power of Tutors being reasonable and li∣mited by Equity be also confirmed by the pra∣ctices of other Nations that have better Cu∣stoms than ordinary. But what difference is there I pray you, whether one purchase a Liferent to a Pupil, and loss the Stock, or at the present Rate of thirteen thousand Merks he redeem the uncertain continuance of a Life∣rent Annuity, depending likewayes on the mortality of the person.

To these it is added, that in the Case pro∣posed the Liferent Annuity it self, if it had continued longer separate from the propriety; yet it could have no way been hurtful or bur∣densome to the Pupil, because in whose hand, while the Liferent right continued, so great a quantity of the price should be remaining by vertue of the express paction, that satisfaction might be made thereby to the Liferentrix out of the Interest of it: So that there may seem to have been no just enough or pressing Reason of transacting. For although it be al∣ledged by the Curators, that there were not remaining but ten thousand of the fourty two thousand retained at the time of the Transa∣ction; nevertheless, seeing that doth not ap∣pear, the Tutors Accounts not being as yet made, it could not at all subvert the for∣mer Reasonings, albeit it could appear never so much, we have been altogether induced to think that the Curators in the present Matter of Fact transacting about the Lifrentrix Annuity, having payed thirteen thousand Merks, without any precedent Cognizance and Decreet of a Magistrate went beyond the bounds of the power of Curators, and did those things which did not belong to the Offiee and Management of a Curator: And so that that Transaction null in Law it self, could bring no prejudice to the Pupil.

But although in rigour of Law this kind of Transaction should be determined to be per∣mitted to Curators (howsoever the contrary hath been abundantly proved) nevertheless Restitution should not therefore be denied to the Minor aguinst the harm and laesion done him by this Transaction; seing great enough yea supine Negligenee, (for it is not lawful to presume deceit in Curators generous by the honour of their Families, if it be not mani∣festly proven either by Witnesses or the Remedy of an Oath) may seem to have been commit∣ted in celebrating it, to wit, that they did not more diligently enquire into the Condition and Health of the Liferentrix, with whom the Transaction was to be made: For seeing Mor∣tality about to come sooner or latter to the Liferentrix, from the probable Circumstances of Age, Weakness, Disease and others, was the only foundation of interposing the Transaction it was oltogether necessary that a curious Inquisition should be made into the Constitution and Health of the Liferentrix Body. Which if it had interceeded, the knowledge also of the Cancer, and from thence the suspicion of Death shorty approaching might have come to the Curators as well as to others: Nor had good Fidelity then suffered them certified to proceed to such a Transaction, with so manifest a loss of the Pupil's Money.

Seing therefore they were negligent in searching out that; it cannot be denied, but

that by their great fault the Minor fell into this loss of thirteen thousand Merks: But that Minors so wronged used to be succoured by Restitution in integrum, is so ordinary and certain in Law that it needeth no probation.

That we may open up the other Contro∣versie and Difficultie arising from the Oath of the Minor interposed to confirm the Trans∣action, we think It is before hand to be pre∣mised, that by the Roman Law the Oaths of Lads grown up, were to have been inviola∣bly keeped ex vulgata L. 1. & authent. sacra∣menta puberum Cod. si adversus vendition. if as to the rest all things had been done legally accord∣ing to the prescript of the Laws; so that they had been ratified and firm in rigour of Law, neither had any other intire Restitution against them to have been feared, than from the head of Laesion happening by Minority. When o∣ther wayes not being contracted by Minors according to the prescript of the Laws and so Null, they needed not so much as the aid of Restitution: As ex L. siquidem 11 Cod. de prae∣dus & aliis rebus Minor. Sine Decret. non alien. & L. pen. D. de Minor. 25. anuis, is abundant∣ly gathered; while a prescript was given, that it was superfluous to treat of the cheap Rate of an Estate sold, a Decreet not being inter∣posed about alienating the Lands of Minors, seing the authority of an Act of the Senat hindred the alienating, and retained the Do∣minion. But a Decreet being interposed, and the Vendition so perfited by Law, Restitution might have been obtained against Sale made at a cheaper Rate. But if the Oath of a Mi∣nor had moreover been added, then at length it was true, that the Remedy of Restitution was denied. Per D. L. 1. Cod. si adversus vendi∣tionem: So judging with us Donellus Coment. jur. Civill. libr. 21. Cap. 13. Zoesius ad pandect. tit. de Minorib. 25. aunis. num. 40. Perezius ad tit: Cod. si adversus vendit num. 1, 2. For al∣though the Opinion of Martinus hath pleased many, contending that even the invalide Con∣tracts of Minors are made valide and firm by an Oath, who are reckoned over by John à San∣de de prohibita alienatione Cap: 1. num. 94. Ne∣vertheless we judge that the Opinion of Bul∣garus restricting D. L. primam & D. authenti∣cam to Businesses alone valide in rigour of Law agreeth to the sounder reason of Roman Juris prudens: For, seing these things, which have been done by whatsoever Majors against the Laws, being so Null in Law it self, that nei∣ther can an Oath add firmness to them. L. non dubium. 5. Cod, de legibus. L. juris gentium 7. ss. & gereraliter. 16. D. de pactis. It is necessary that to shun Absurdity we say, that things done by a Minor against the Laws do remain far more infirm, howsoever confirmed by the Religion or Tye of an Oath, unless we would have the condition of Minors in contracting to be

worse than that of Majors against the manifest favour of a Minors Age.

If these things be applyed to the present Business, it will be clear that an Oath inter∣posed by a Minor to confirm a Transaction, neither can or ought to be hurtfull to a Minor the effect being looked to. For whether we conceave the Transaction null in Law it self, as not belonging to the Office of a Curator, and made without the Decreet of a Magi∣strate, that Act invalid in Law it self could not receive any firmness from an accessory Oath given by a Minor. But if on the contrary any contend that the Trunsaction subsisted in Rigour of Law) although against the Rea∣sons of Law formerly proposed) nevertheless, seeing the Laesion of the Minor appeareth from the manifest and great neglect of the Curators, the Oath of the Minor cannot hinder the ex∣traordinary help of Restitution, usually indulg∣ed to this Age being lae••ed and wronged, be∣cause it laboureth with an evident defect, and is null in Law it self. For even as in other whatsoever Agreements of Minors having Curators, the Authority of the Curators is al∣together necessary to the Agreements; and it being wanting whatsoever hath been done is altogether unprofitable, and to be esteemed in no other place, then Contracts by them, who are interdicted from their Goods a Curator be∣ing given them by the pretor. l. si Curatorem 3 de Cod. de in intergrum restit Minorum. So also that promissory Oath ought to be judged void and of no effect in Law it self, whereby the Minor promiseth that he will not come a∣gainst or oppose the Faith of the interposed Contract, if the Aunhority of a Curator be wanting. For although in the present Busi∣ness it might seem at first View, that the Au∣thority of Curators had not been wanting, while they themselves exhorted and induced the Minor to the Religious tye of an Oath: Nevertheless having more throughly consider- the Circumstances of the thing done, it will easily appear, that this Authority of the Cu∣rators was null in Law it self, if any please to compare the common Rule of Law, which ex∣presly forbiddeth Tutors and Curators to be Authors and Advisers to their own proper inte∣rest and proper profit, and in that case requireth the consent of a Curator specially to be ap∣pointed to that Act l. 1. D. de Autorit. tutor. ss. ult. justit eod. tit. For seeing the Transaction about the Liferent had got very full security and firmness for the Advantage of the Liferen∣trix, who had Curators Rich enough for the implement of that Transaction in their own name oblidged to her self, who from that might have been effectually pursued, howso∣ever otherwayes the Transaction considered in it self had been destitute of all firmness; Arg. l. etsi is 9. Cod. de praediis & aliis rebus Minor, sine

decreto non aliend. This Oath of the Minor having followed was altogether superfluous indeed as ro what concerns the Liferentrix, and therefore it cannot be conceived to have been contrived and given for the profit and security of any other, than the Curators them∣selves; to wit that either they themselves might be freed from an Action of tutelage, that would be afterwards raised by the Pupill against themselves for the hurtful Transaction and the Pupils Money squandered away without ne∣cessity or profite; or lest they themselves be∣ing conveened upon their Obligation made with the Liferentrix, and paying should bear the loss, if the Minor had been to oppose the nullity of the Transaction to them afterwards seeking back the quantity of Thirteen thousand Merks or at least had been to implore extraor∣dinary aid against the hurtful Transaction. But what pray you, is it for Curators to be Authors for their own interest, if this be not it, whereby their own Authority and Exhortati∣on made, they have tryed by all means to ob∣tain security to themselves and freedom from the Action of tutelage by the Oath of the Mi∣nor.

To all which it is at last to be added over and above out of abundance that the Law and Auth. Sacramenta puberum Cod. si ad versus venditionem; are so abolished by the common use and practice of Nations, as the Spanish, Italian, French, Bel∣gick, and other interpeters and Practitioners in the Law bear witness, that it might deserved∣ly be asked in what part of the World, or in what Corner hath the use of this Law and Au∣thentick been reserved. And this indeed for a very pressing Reason; when Experience had taught that with the same inconstancy and faci∣lity of Age that Minors are induced to Contract to the Destruction of their own Substance, they are also instigated and moved to fortify their Contracts with an Oath; and that many E∣states of Minors have been exhausted by the pretence of an Oath, which by snares and bad artes the captious Avarice of Contracters, and a lust of Gaining by right and wrong had extorted from their frail Age, labouring un∣der a Weakness of Judgement, Christnaeus vol. 5. Decis. 225. num. 20 & seqq: Finellus ad l. 2. Cod. de refcind. vendit. 3. cap. 2. num: 11. Ar∣gentreus ad consuetudines. Britann. art. 471. num. 1. 2. Gudelinus de jure noviss. lib. 3. cap. 4. vers. non immorabor. Henr. Kinschot Responso 102. num. 18. Bugnion de legib. abrogat. libr. 1. satyra. 119. Perezius tit. Cod. si advers. vendit num. ult. and others whom Groenewegen relateth de leg. abrogat. ad D. tit. si adversus vendicionem; and Christiaenus innotis ad Bugnion. D. loco. And hence the Dis∣position of D. l. 1. and the Authentick. hath so far displeased the Frislanders themselves also, al∣though otherwayes very strict observes and Followers of the Roman Law, that it hath been Decreed by them, that sworn Renunciations and Contracts of Minors have no more effect then these that are unsworn and withal it hath been forbidden that Scriveners or Notaries do not sub∣ject the Contracts of Minors to an Oath, or exact Oaths from them under the pain of losing their Office and other Arbitrary punishment. Satua Friziae libt. 1. tit. 7. § 5. John a sande prohibita alienatione. Cap, 1. num. 97. Unto which purpose almost, it hath been told us also that the Parlia∣ment of Scotland made an Act in the year 1681.

From all which we do not doubt, but that succour is to be given to the Minor against the sworn Transaction, about which the plea is, that he sustain not any Laesion from thence; and that so it is in Law, we judge according to our Conscience. In Testimony whereof we have subscribed these presents, and have added to our Opinion the lesser seal of the University at Ley∣en the 7 of May 1693.