Note 325 — Chapter XIV

W. A. Hunter, Roman Law, p. 190, calls the conclave of neighbours a “humane and interesting exception.” John P. McLennon, in Primitive Marriage, says it is a “fine example of good old savage law.” According to Hunter, infanticide receives its first customary check when the destruction of males and the eldest female is forbidden: the ancient tribes preferring rather to steal their wives than to rear them.