Corpus Juris Civilis

Historical Context

The Corpus Juris Civilis was a collection of fundamental works in jurisprudence, issued from 529 to 534 by order of Justinian I, Eastern Roman Emperor. It forms the foundation of the civil law of many modern states and international law, making it one of the most significant achievements in the field of jurisprudence.

Compilation

The Corpus Juris Civilis was compiled by a committee of ten jurists, including the eminent lawyer Tribonian. The compilation was a three-part process. The first part, the Codex Justinianus, was a codification of all imperial constitutions then in force. The second part, the Digesta or Pandectae, was a compilation of extracts from the writings of the Roman jurists. The final part, the Institutiones, served as an introductory textbook for law students.

Codex Justinianus

The Codex Justinianus, issued in 529, was a codification of all imperial constitutions from the time of Hadrian. It used both the Codex Theodosianus and private collections such as the Codex Gregorianus and Codex Hermogenianus. The Codex Justinianus contained twelve books, and it was intended to supersede all earlier codes.

Digesta or Pandectae

The Digesta, issued in 533, was a compilation of the writings of the Roman jurists. It was divided into fifty books and drew from a vast array of sources. The Digesta was intended to provide a comprehensive guide to Roman law, incorporating the wisdom and experience of the most esteemed legal minds of the Roman Empire.

Institutiones

The Institutiones, issued in 533, was an introductory textbook for law students. It was based on the Institutiones of Gaius, a Roman jurist of the 2nd century. The Institutiones was divided into four books, covering all aspects of Roman law, from the rights of persons to the law of property and obligations.

Novellae Constitutiones Post Codicem

The Novellae Constitutiones Post Codicem, or simply Novellae, was a collection of new laws issued by Justinian himself, after the publication of the Codex. The Novellae consisted of 168 constitutions and was not officially compiled during Justinian's reign but was later included in the Corpus Juris Civilis.

Influence and Legacy

The Corpus Juris Civilis had a profound influence on the development of jurisprudence in the Western world. It was the basis of law in the Eastern Roman Empire and was rediscovered in the West in the 11th century. It became the basis of the legal systems of many European countries and continues to influence modern legal codes.