Judices Pedaneos: The Private Judges of Roman Legal Tradition

Definition & Meaning

Judices Pedaneos refers to judges selected by the parties involved in a private dispute during Roman law. Unlike magistrates such as Praetors, these judges did not have the authority to resolve disputes directly. Instead, the plaintiff could nominate a judge, and the defendant had the option to either accept or reject this nomination. This system allowed for a degree of control and choice in the judicial process, emphasizing the importance of party autonomy in legal proceedings.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

(hypothetical example) A plaintiff and a defendant are involved in a contract dispute. The plaintiff nominates a judge to oversee the case. The defendant reviews the nomination and decides to accept the judge, allowing the dispute to proceed to resolution.

Comparison with related terms

Term Description Differences
Arbitrator A neutral third party who resolves disputes outside of court. Arbitrators have more authority to make binding decisions, unlike Judices Pedaneos.
Mediator A facilitator who helps parties reach a mutual agreement. Mediators do not make decisions; they assist in negotiation, unlike Judices Pedaneos.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a dispute where you can choose a judge, consider your options carefully. Research potential judges or arbitrators to ensure they have the appropriate qualifications. You may also explore templates for arbitration agreements on US Legal Forms to facilitate the process. If your situation is complex, seeking professional legal advice is recommended.

Quick facts

  • Judges are chosen by the disputing parties.
  • The process emphasizes party autonomy.
  • Judices Pedaneos do not have independent decision-making authority.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

They act as judges chosen by the parties involved in a dispute, without having independent authority to decide the case.