Delving into the Edicts of Justinian: Foundations of Roman Law

Definition & Meaning

The Edicts of Justinian refer to a collection of thirteen laws or constitutions established by Justinian the Great, a Byzantine emperor. These edicts were incorporated into the Greek collection of Novels and are primarily included in most editions of the Corpus Juris Civilis, which is a foundational legal text of Roman law. The Edicts mainly address police matters and regulations within the provinces of the Roman Empire, reflecting the administrative and legal practices of that time.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A provincial governor in the Roman Empire might implement an edict to regulate trade practices in their jurisdiction, ensuring fair commerce and public order.

Example 2: An edict could establish guidelines for local law enforcement on how to manage public gatherings to maintain peace and safety. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Corpus Juris Civilis A comprehensive compilation of Roman law. The Corpus Juris Civilis includes the Edicts of Justinian but is broader in scope.
Novels Legislation enacted by Justinian after the initial codification. Novels are additional laws that may amend or add to the original Corpus Juris Civilis.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are studying civil law or have an interest in historical legal frameworks, consider exploring resources that provide context on the Edicts of Justinian. For practical legal matters, you can utilize US Legal Forms to access templates that may help you navigate related issues. If your situation is complex, seeking advice from a legal professional is recommended.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Origin Byzantine Empire, under Justinian the Great
Number of Edicts Thirteen
Focus Police and administrative matters
Legal Relevance Historical context for civil law

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The Edicts of Justinian are a set of thirteen laws established by the Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great, focusing on administrative and police matters.