Edictum Annuum: A Deep Dive into Its Legal Definition and Impact

Definition & Meaning

The term "edictum annuum" refers to an annual mandate or set of rules established by a Roman judge when they take office. This edict outlines the principles that will guide the judge in making decisions and administering justice throughout their term. Once the year concludes, the edict becomes ineffective, and any remedies it provided are no longer available.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

(hypothetical example) A judge assumes office and issues an edictum annuum stating that they will prioritize cases involving domestic violence and set specific procedures for handling such cases. At the end of their term, this edict is no longer in effect, and subsequent judges may choose different priorities.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Judicial edict A formal order issued by a judge. More general than edictum annuum, which is specific to annual terms.
Mandate An authoritative command or instruction. Mandates can be ongoing, while edictum annuum is time-bound.

Quick facts

  • Type: Judicial guideline
  • Duration: One year
  • Usage: Historical context in Roman law

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It serves to outline the guiding principles for a judge's term in office.