Codex Iuris Novae Romae

Revision as of 10:52, 14 November 2021

Introduction to the Codex

The Codex Juris Novae Romae presents the leges of Nova Roma in several libri (books). Each book collates all active legislation on a specific legal topic. This layout is intended to make it easier to find related or common laws and identify topicsThis Codex is not an official record of laws. It is intended to be a helpful guide for magistrates needing to understand the law and for interested citizens wanting to learn their rights. Citizens should refer to the Tabularium of Nova Roma for official information and other means to access of legislation of Nova Roma.

Introduction to Roman Law

Roman law is the legal system of ancient Rome, including the legal developments spanning over a thousand years of jurisprudence, from the Twelve Tables (c. 449 BC), to the Corpus Juris Civilis (AD 529) ordered by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. Roman law forms the basic framework for civil law, the most widely used legal system today, and the terms are sometimes used synonymously. The historical importance of Roman law is reflected by the continued use of Latin legal terminology in many legal systems influenced by it, including common law.

Ius or Jus (Latin, plural iura) in ancient Rome was a right to which a citizen (civis) was entitled by virtue of his citizenship (civitas). The iura were specified by laws, so ius sometimes meant law. As one went to the law courts to sue for one's rights, ius also meant justice and the place where justice was sought.

On the whole, the Romans valued their rights as the greatest good of Roman citizenship (civitas romana), as opposed to citizenship in other city-states under the jurisdiction of Rome but without Roman rights. Outsiders (peregrini) and freedmen (libertini) perforce used Roman lawyers to represent them in actions undertaken under the jurisdiction of Roman law. Representation was one of the civic obligations (munera) owed to the state by citizens. These munera (on which account the citizens were municipes) included military service as well as paying taxes, but specialized obligations might also be associated with functions of elected offices or assigned by the government, such as paying the cost of road or aqueduct maintenance. Some of these functions were highly lucrative, such as tax collecting, since the collector collected much more than he owed the government, but for the most part functionaries were appointed for their wealth and were expected to assume the costs as their munus. If they did not, they were tried and sometimes executed. Violation of the iura of other citizens, whether in office or out, was a serious matter.

Using the Codex

Distributed among the boxes below are several books on various iura or legal topics. Navigate to a book by clicking one from the selection below. Books may contain sub categories that further group common legislation. Against each piece of legislation will be links to other law or policy that edits, amends or expands upon that element. There will also be references included when the particular legislation also features in other parts of the codex.

Cives

• Lex Vedia de assiduis et capite censis (#XXXIV, 2754)

About the classification between taxpayers and non-taxpayers and their respective status. Modified by the Lex Curiatia Iulia de tributo virginum vestalium, the Senatus consultum ultimum de tributis alio modo solutis Q. Arrio (III) A. Tullia coss., the Senatus consultum ultimum de classibus et centuriis et tribubus, and the Senatus consultum ultimum on a special authorization to elevate meritorious citizens to the equestrian order.

• Lex Equitia de tirocinio civium novorum (#XCIX, 2757)

About the probationary period and citizen examinations for new citizens. It is modified by the Senatus Consultum on the Reinstatement of the Lex Equitia de Tirocinio Civium Novorum.

• Lex Cornelia de classibus et ordine equestri (#CXXXVIII, 2766)

Creation and admission to the Equestrian Order. Modified by Senatus consultum ultimum de tributis alio modo solutis Q. Arrio (III) A. Tullia coss., the Senatus consultum ultimum de classibus et centuriis et tribubus, and the Senatus consultum ultimum on a special authorization to elevate meritorious citizens to the equestrian order.

• Senatus consultum ultimum on a special authorization to elevate meritorious citizens to the equestrian order (Valid while Senatus consultum ultimum de classibus et centuriis et tribubus remains valid)

About the definitions and process to appoint citizens to the Equestrian Order and how it is maintained.

• Senatus consultum ultimum de classibus et centuriis et tribubus (Revalidated in Oct of 2774)

About the types of equestrian order, description of tax-payers and their allocoation to classes and tribes.

• Senatus consultum ultimum de tributis alio modo solutis Q. Arrio (III) A. Tullia coss. (Revalidated in Oct of 2774)

About the current tax rates and thresholds for the equestrian order, reenactors and latinists.

• Senatus Consultum on the Reinstatement of the Lex Equitia de Tirocinio Civium Novorum (Revalidated in Oct of 2774)

About the reinstatement of the Lex Equitia de tirocinio civium novorum.