Roman law as we know it today is the codification of law made in the 6th century AD by the Roman Emperor, Justinian I, whose reign, with his Empress, Theodora, a former courtesan, was one of the most remarkable in the history of Roman antiquity. Justinian's codification has supplied an almost inexhaustible reservoir of legal concepts, doctrines and principles that have influenced the law that Australia inherited from England as well as the law of Continental Europe.
After exploring the history of Roman law during the various periods of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire and following the spread of Roman law throughout Western Europe from its rebirth in the 11th century down to the present day, this book describes Roman law as to:
paternal power, marriage and status of children;
acquisition of property;
succession on death;
obligations, including contract, unjust enrichment and delict;
crime and punishment, including military discipline.
The narrative is interlaced with descriptions of the corresponding law of NSW and references to cases from the author's experiences as a lawyer. It deals with both the history and substance of Roman law in a fashion appropriate for anyone interested in Roman antiquity and the culture of the Roman Empire.
