circumstances, be received to contradict that of freemen; unless, as has been hereinbefore stated, it should happen that a homicide has been committed. =FLAVIUS CHINTASVINTUS, KING.= =X. Concerning Those who Bind themselves in Writing, not to give True Testimony in the Causes of Others.= We are aware that many persons are in the habit of entering into obligations in writing, binding themselves to promptly give evidence in their own behalf, or in that of their friends; but to furnish no information in case any one else should bring a suit against them. And because it is well established that they are contrary to truth and equity, all judges shall have the power to at once examine such contracts, cancel them, and inflict a hundred lashes on all who are mentioned in them. Yet that this punishment may not fix upon said persons any mark of infamy, it is granted to them by this law, that they shall afterwards have the right to testify, and that their liberty shall, in no way, be restrained. =FLAVIUS CHINTASVINTUS, KING.= =XI. At what Age Minors can Testify.= It is hereby decreed that after a boy or girl has reached his or her fourteenth year, they shall be competent to testify in any case in court. =XII. A Near Relative, or a Kinsman of a Party to a Suit, cannot give Testimony against a Stranger.= Brothers, sisters, half-brothers, uncles, aunts, or their children, also grandsons and granddaughters, shall not be permitted to give evidence in court against strangers; unless relations belonging to the same family should have lawsuits among themselves, or there should not be any other freeman who can testify in the case. TITLE V. CONCERNING VALID AND INVALID DOCUMENTS; AND HOW WILLS SHOULD BE DRAWN UP. =I.= _What Documents are Valid in Law._ =II.= _No Witness shall Testify as to the Contents of a Document of which He is Ignorant._ =III.= _Concerning the Drawing Up of Contracts, and Other Legal Documents._ =IV.= _Neither Children, nor Other Heirs, shall contest the Final Disposition of Property by their Ancestors._ =V.= _Concerning the Penalties to which those are Liable who attempt to Repudiate their Written Contracts._ =VI.= _Contracts and Agreements made by Slaves are Invalid, unless Ordered by their Masters._ =VII.= _Concerning Dishonorable and Illegal Contracts._ =VIII.= _No One shall be Liable in Person or Property, under the Terms of any Contract, where Deception has been Practised: nor shall He be Liable to any Penalty provided by the same._ =IX.= _Every Obligation, or Contract, which has been Extorted by Force, or Fear, shall be Void._ =X.= _What Contracts entered into by Minors shall be Valid._ =XI.= _How Wills shall be Drawn Up and Proved._