Roman Law and Jurisprudence

Primary Sources of Law in Ancient Rome

• The primary source of law in ancient Rome was custom and tradition, which were not written down but were passed down through generations.

Corpus Juris Civilis

• Corpus Juris Civilis, a codification of Roman law, was commissioned by Emperor Justinian in 528-534 CE.
• It consisted of four parts: Institutes, Digest, Codes, and Novels.
• It standardized Roman law, making it a single, unified system across the empire.

Role of the Praetor

• The Praetor was a Roman magistrate responsible for administering justice and interpreting laws.
• Praetors issued edicts, which were annual announcements of the principles and rules that would guide their administration of justice.

The Twelve Tables

• The Twelve Tables was a set of laws created in 451-450 BCE, inscribed on bronze tablets.
• It was the first written code of Roman law, covering both public and private law.
• The Twelve Tables was a significant step towards a more formalized system of law in ancient Rome.

Roman Law Concept of 'Status'

• 'Status' referred to a person's social and legal position in Roman society, which affected their rights and obligations.
• 'Status' included considerations such as citizenship, liberty, and family ties.
• The concept of 'status' was essential in Roman law, as it determined an individual's legal capacity and rights.