Roman law, or ius romano, is one of the oldest legal systems in the world. It has had a profound impact on the legal systems of many countries, including the United States. This section provides an overview of Roman law, its key principles, and its influence on modern legal systems.
Key Principles of Roman Law
- Lex Scripta (Written Law): Roman law is primarily based on written laws. The most important written law of ancient Rome was the Twelve Tables.
- Lex Praetoria (Judicial Law): This was law made by the praetors, judges who interpreted and applied the written laws.
- Lex Popularis (People's Law): This was law made by the people, often through the assembly.
The Twelve Tables
The Twelve Tables were the first written code of laws in Rome. They were created in the 5th century BCE and covered a wide range of legal issues, including family law, property law, and criminal law.
Influence on Modern Law
Roman law has had a significant influence on many legal systems, including:
- Common Law Systems: The principles of Roman law are foundational to common law systems, such as those in the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Civil Law Systems: Roman law is also the basis for many civil law systems, including those in Europe and Latin America.
Further Reading
To learn more about Roman law, consider visiting our Roman Law Resources.
Roman Law Temple