Jus trium liberorum

[2] The privilege resulted from the Lex Papia Poppaea and other legislation on morality introduced by Augustus in the first centuries BC and AD.

The intent of the jus trium liberorum has been interpreted by a few scholars as eugenic legislation,[4] but the predominant view is that it was intended to increase birth rates among the senatorial order.

Women with jus trium liberorum were no longer subject to tutela mulierum (guardianship by a male relative) and could receive inheritances which would otherwise descend to their children.

[7] A person who caught a citizen in violation in this law was entitled to a portion of the inheritance involved, creating a lucrative business for professional spies.

[9] As time went on, the jus trium liberorum was granted by consuls to some citizens as rewards for general good deeds, holding important professions or as personal favors, not just prolific propagation.

[15] The jus trium liberorum was a reward gained by compliance with the leges Iulia and Papia Poppea.

This meant that when a woman was no longer subject to the power of her father (patria potestas) or her husband (manus) she could act independently.

A reward consisting of a percentage of the inheritance involved was offered for spies who caught others illegally benefitting from the jus trium liberorum.

[23] The jus trium liberorum was also awarded to people in no connection with their number of offspring as a reward by the emperor.

[24] Many famous Romans were awarded the jus trium liberorum including Suetonius through a personal favor from Trajan to Pliny the Younger,[25] Martial by Domitian in reward to Martial's flattery,[26] and to Livia in response of the death of Drusus in 9 BC.