The Justinian Code or Corpus Juris Civilis (Corpus of Civil Law) was a major reform of Byzantine law created by Emperor Justinian I (r. 527-565 CE) in 528-9 CE. Aiming to clarify and update the old Roman laws, eradicate inconsistencies and speed up legal processes, the collection of imperial edicts and expert opinions covered all manner of topics from punishments for specific crimes to marriage and the inheritance of property. Not only used as a basis for Byzantine law for over 900 years, the laws therein continue to influence many western legal systems to this day.
More about: Corpus Juris Civilis5 days left
Invest in History Education
By supporting our charity World History Foundation, you're investing in the future of history education. Your donation helps us empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the world around them. Help us start the new year ready to publish more reliable historical information, free for everyone.
$3754 / $10000
Definition
Timeline
-
527 - 565Reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
-
529The first part of Justinian's Code, the Codex Justinianus, is released and immediately adopted across the Byzantine Empire.
-
Dec 533The Digestum and Institutiones parts of Justinian's Code are released which supersedes all previous laws across the Byzantine Empire.
-
Dec 534Justinian's Code, which is the basis of law across the Byzantine Empire, is amended and updated.
