Women, even in the classical period, did not posses full legal capacity. A woman who was sui iuris was, therefore, under tutela perpetua mulierum (perpetual tutelage of women), as contrasted with the temporary tutelage of the impubes.
The function of the tutor was confined to auctoritatem interponere. This function was exercised when the woman wished to contract a legal obligation or to sell res mancipi. In classical times the Praetor would compel an unwilling tutor to give auctoritas in an appropriate case.
