Roman Law
Written by A. Arthur Schiller
654 pages, about 13 hours of reading
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About this book
This work by A. Arthur Schiller offers readers a unique literary experience. The narrative explores themes of history.
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Themes, characters and key ideas in Roman Law, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 150 hours
- advanced
- informative
- scholarly
- rigorous
A. Arthur Schiller's 'Roman Law' is a seminal academic text offering a comprehensive and systematic exposition of the Roman legal system. Spanning the entirety of its historical development from archaic origins through the Justinianic codification, the book meticulously details the principles, institutions, and procedural aspects of both public and private Roman law. It serves as an essential reference for students and scholars, providing a deep dive into the historical context, sources, and evolution of a legal tradition that profoundly shaped Western jurisprudence. The 654-page volume is renowned for its scholarly rigor and encyclopedic scope, making it an indispensable resource for understanding the foundations of civil law.
“The enduring legacy of Roman Law is found in its rational framework for justice and its systematic approach to legal problems, which continue to influence civil law traditions worldwide.”
Key themes
- Evolution of Legal Systems
- This theme explores the dynamic development of Roman Law across centuries, from its rudimentary origins in archaic Rome to its sophisticated codification under Justinian. Schiller details how legal principles and institutions adapted to changing social, economic, and political realities, demonstrating law not as a static entity but as a living, evolving system.
- Justice and Equity
- The book deeply investigates the Roman understanding of justice (iustitia) and equity (aequitas), and how these abstract concepts were translated into practical legal norms and judicial decisions. It explores the tension between strict legal interpretation and the need for fairness, particularly as demonstrated by the role of the praetor in mitigating the rigidity of the ius civile.
- Structure and Systematization of Law
- Schiller highlights the Roman genius for organizing and systematizing legal knowledge, which laid the groundwork for modern legal science. This theme examines how Roman jurists developed categories, classifications, and principles that allowed for a coherent and logical presentation of vast legal material, culminating in the monumental Corpus Juris Civilis.
Worth discussing
How did Roman Law's emphasis on systematic classification influence the development of civil law traditions globally?
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