Nuptias non concubitus sed consensus facit. Definition: Latin: consent, not physical intercourse, constitutes marriage. A maxim if the Roman law that held a marriage valid provided the formalities had been observed, including consent validly given, and without a focus on consummation. This meant that: "As cohabitation, therefore, was no proof of marriage, so separate houses were no proof that it was dissolved."1 This maxim was essential to women, especially wed to men in dangerous occupations, and who wished to assert property rights in the estate of their deceased husband. REFERENCES: Phillimore, John George, Principles and Maxims of Jurisprudence (London: Parker and Son, 1856), page 129 [NOTE 1]. Categories & Topics: Dictionary of Latin Law Terms Family Law Dictionary Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!