Roman Law

Roman Law

1.Brake down

Roman empire broken in to two periods

republic 509-133BCE

Empire 30BCE- 180CE

2.Republic

ruled by senate

senators were elected

not everyone was able to vote

woman

slaves

poor people

3.first laws: the twelve tables 450BCE

ten consuls drafted first ten

first ten took a year to write

last two took another year to write

twelve tables were embossed in copper and place on public display

4.The tables: Table 1

table 1: preliminaries to a trial; for a trial

1.If plaintiff summons defendant to court, he shall go. If he does not go, plaintiff shall call witness thereto. Than only shall he take defendant by force

2.If defendant shirks or takes to heels, plaintiff shall lay hands on him

3.If disease or age shall be an impediment, he shall grant him a team (for transport)

6-9.when the parties compromise the matter, an official shall announce it. If they do not compromise, they shall state the outline of the case in the meeting place or market before noon. They shall plead it out in person. Afternoon, the judge shall adjudge the case to the party that is present. If both are present, sunset shall be the time limit ( of the proceedings).

5. The tables: tables II and III

table II: the trial

whoever is in need of evidence, he shall go on every third day to shout before the witness' doorway

table III: debt

When debt has been acknowleged, or judgement about the matter had been pronounced in court,