"The irresponsible, and more than despotic authority vested by the Roman laws in the father over the son, was thoroughly repugnant to the Visigothic conception of justice and freedom, which had been transmitted through many generations of barbarian ancestors."
From S.P. Scott's* notes to his translation of the Visigothic Forum Iudicum. Hurrah for S.P.! I expect this sort of thing is still taught at Strand Community College.
* His real name as I am sure his heirs and assigns are unlikely to sue...
