The principle of “semel heres semper heres” and its reception in contemporary legal orders

Abstract

This investigation has as its object to ascertain the origin, content, evolution and interpretation of the Roman principle semel heres semper heres, from its genesis within Roman jurisprudential law until its expression in contemporary legal orders. The principle semel heres semper heres (once the heir, always the heir) is used as a mnemonic device to indicate that whosoever acquires the status of heir can never lose it; in other words, in a very summary form it expresses that the acceptance of the inheritance is irrevocable, as once it has been accepted it can no longer be renounced.