Twelve Tables of Rome

Lex Duodecim Tabularum

1	The eldest living first born male of the leading line of the gens, having reached majority, is head and father of the whole house and fund.
2	All minors, slaves and females are the rightful property and in care of the father (of the house).
3	A father possesses the right of life and lawful death over all minors, slaves and females in his care.
4	A father must immediately put to death a son recently born, who is a monster, or has a form different from that of members of the race (i.e. who is obviously illegitimate or mixed race).
5	A father may not put to death a slave or female without just cause.
6	When a woman brings forth a son within the next ten months after the death of her husband, he shall be born in lawful marriage, and if the only son shall be the legal heir of his heredium (inherited estate).
7	A child born after ten months since the father's death will not be admitted into a legal inheritance.
8	A son ceases to be the property of the father upon reaching majority.
9	Females remain in custody of either the father (head of the house) or husband even when they have attained their majority.
10	A female that disgraces the house (and the father) may be lawfully put to death by the father.
11	If a father sell his son three times, the son shall be free from his father.
12	[A wife may be repudiated by simply] taking away her keys and turning her out.