De proxeneticis. Some remarks on trade intermediation in Roman law
Abstract
The subject of this study is the institution of a trade intermediary in Roman law referred to as proxeneta. After the Punic Wars, Rome evolved into a global state, which contributed to rapid economic development, especially of trade. Merchants traversing vast swathes of the empire needed local support from people familiar with local law, customs and, above all, trade relations. The prototype for the activity of proxenetae were persons engaged in matchmaking or finding clients for prostitutes (lenocinium). The institution of the trade intermediary in Roman law is quite well studied in ancient and modern literature. However, there is no major study of this institution in the Polish-language literature. Hence, the aim of the study is primarily to familiarise the Polish reader with such issues as: who the proxeneta was, on what legal basis he acted, the manner of determining his remuneration, and the settlement of disputes between the intermediary and the person to whom he provided professional support. The question of the social evaluation of proxenetae’s activity is another interesting issue addressed in this study. The primary research method used is the legal-historical-dogmatic method. The research was essentially limited to an analysis of three passages by Ulpian preserved in D. 50.14. In addition, as part of the methodology, when analysing the aforementioned fragments, the author relied on their placement by Otto Lenel in the Palingenesia, which undoubtedly constitutes a novelty in the existing Romanist output. The main conclusion of the study is that the proxeneta is the archetype of today’s trade intermediary institution.
Keywords:
trade intermediation, proxeneta, intermediary remuneration, characteristics of intermediationReferences
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