Law of Persons in Roman Law

Study Notes

Roman law categorized persons into citizens, foreigners, and slaves.
Citizens had full legal capacity and extensive rights.
Foreigners' rights varied based on their relationship with Rome, some receiving limited protections via treaties.
Slaves lacked legal capacity, were considered property, and their rights were extremely limited, subject to their masters' decisions.
A person's status deeply impacted their legal rights and obligations, from property ownership to legal action.

Roman law evolved from primarily unwritten customs, heavily influenced by religious traditions.
Codification and formal procedures marked a shift to a structured system.
The Twelve Tables, a significant civil law codification, responded to public demand, forming a basis for future developments.
Jurisprudence, the study and interpretation of law, shaped Roman law through prominent jurists' opinions.
Gaius and Ulpian were key figures in developing and organizing Roman legal principles.
Ius civile (civil law for citizens) and ius gentium (law of nations, applicable to all) reflected progress toward international norms.
Actio (legal action) was crucial, codifying procedures for legal redress, highlighting individual rights protection.
Lawmaking evolved in the late Republican and early Imperial periods via legislation and imperial edicts, increasing system flexibility.
Emperor Justinian's Corpus Juris Civilis compiled Roman law, influencing subsequent legal systems.
Roman law's impact on European legal traditions is significant, impacting areas like property, contracts, and obligations.
Equity, fairness, and practicality characterized Roman law's approach, adapting to various social and economic factors.
Roman law's principles, refined over time, continue to influence legal thought globally.