Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
Gregorian Code
Read a random definition: marinarius
A quick definition of Gregorian Code:
The Gregorian Code, also known as Codex Gregorianus, is a collection of laws created by a Roman jurist named Gregorius and published in the year 291 AD. It was made to help lawyers and practitioners navigate the increasing number of imperial laws that were difficult to find and understand. Two collections, including the Codex Gregorianus, were published at the end of the third century to make it easier for people to access the laws. Although these collections no longer exist, we know about them from references in later literature.
A more thorough explanation:
The Gregorian Code, also known as Codex Gregorianus, is a collection of imperial constitutions compiled by the Roman jurist Gregorius and published in A.D. 291. It is a part of Roman law.
During the third century, the number of imperial enactments rapidly increased, covering the whole range of law. However, due to difficulties in communication and imperfect methods of promulgation, these laws were not always readily ascertainable. This created a burden for the practitioner almost as great as that of the unmanageable juristic literature.
To help practitioners, two collections were published privately at the end of the third century: the Codex Gregorianus and Codex Hermogenianus. These collections do not exist anymore, and what is known of them is from citations in later literature.
For example, if a lawyer wanted to know about a specific law from the third century, they could look it up in the Codex Gregorianus or Codex Hermogenianus. These collections would have made it easier for lawyers to find the laws they needed to know.