ON PARTNERSHIP

A circular woodcut illustration depicts a scene of commerce or exchange, showing figures interacting in a marketplace or workshop setting.

Thesis 1.

Since there is no contract that approaches more closely to that community of life which exists among men, than partnership itself, there is no one who can deny that it is not only most ancient, but also most useful and highly necessary for human needs.

II.

It is defined as a contract which is perfected by mere agreement, regarding an honest matter or business, and the equal sharing of its profit and loss among all parties.

III.

Everyone who has the capacity to consent and the free administration of their own goods may rightly celebrate this contract: whether they are fathers, or sons under the authority of a family, or not only free men, but also slaves.

IIII.

Minors and wards may also contract a partnership, provided the authority of their tutors intervenes; however, the insane, the prodigal, and the mentally incapacitated may not do so in any way.