Status in Roman legal system

In regard to status civitatis, in the Roman state, there were cives, Latini and peregrini, and foreigners.

The pater familias had the authority in the family (patria potestas), and everyone was subjected to him based on adgnatio (kinship only from father's side).

From that time on, a slave became only a thing (res)- servi pro nullis habentur.

If someone injured his slave, a master could initiate legal proceedings and demand protection.

His sexual relationships with other slaves was not marriage (matrimonium), but a cohabitation without legal consequences (contubernium).

Masters could also give over a certain amount of property (such as land, buildings), known as peculium, to a slave for his management and use.

However, the development of industry, trade and other branches of economy required skilled free workers that took interest in their jobs.

The patron could punish a disobedient libertus, In older times he could even kill him (ius vitae necisque), but later he could not.