Justinian Code

Justinian Code

1. Legal Writings of the people

   • These were a branch of private law, which pertained to the individual person, and consisted of natural law, the law of nations, and civil law
     • Natural law: the right the all animals have which allows them the ability to get married and reproduce
     • The law of nations: The individual laws that each community has that differs from place to place
     • Civil law: The law that people create that is specific to their government which belongs exclusively to that state

2. Decrees of Roman Emperors

   • These were a branch of public law, which pertained to the government, as well as every individual person.
     • Included a guide for judges in their rulings and a summary of the common laws for the judges and the common person

3. Laws

   • The basis of the laws was justice: the constant and perpetual wish to render everyone his due. The law had three basic principles, listed above.
     • Living honestly
     • Hurting no one
     • Giving everyone his due

4. Handbook for Students

   • This section of the code was intended for law students, who were the precursor to judges
     • It included an introduction to the law and Justinian Code. In general, it served somewhat as an introduction to the decrees of Roman emperors