Question

question
the roman maxim of patria potestas means that
select an answer
a. the power of the father is absolute within his own household.
b. fathers should refrain from harming or killing their children if they do something dishonorable.
c. fathers were exempt from working.
d. men were expected to use their fathers name in addition to their own.

Explanation:

Patria potestas was a legal principle in Roman law. It gave the male head of the family (paterfamilias) absolute authority over his household. This included power over his children, wife (in some aspects), and slaves. It was about the father's absolute power within the household. Option B is incorrect as patria potestas did not restrict fathers from such actions (in early Roman times, fathers had extreme powers like the power of life - and - death over children). Option C has no relation to the concept of patria potestas. Option D is about naming conventions and not about the power structure within the household.

Answer:

A. the power of the father is absolute within his own household.