Promises of marriage in Maltese law

Abstract

The contract of Betrothal, or Sponsalia, as it is more commonly known, is the product of very ancient customs. We find very evident traces of it among the Etruscans, the Latins, and, later, among the Romans. The Bible story of Jacob and Rachel, is one of the earliest, and among the most well-known, instances of Sponsalia. Among the Romans, the Contract of Promise of Marriage was in continual use. And, although after some time it lost most of its binding force, it remained throughout the ages a custom to enter into such a contract before marriage.