Novellae-Constitutiones
The Novellae-Constitutiones, commonly known as the Novellae or Justinian's Novels, are a collection of laws issued by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I during his reign from 527 to 565 AD. These laws form the fourth part of the Corpus Juris Civilis, the comprehensive codification of Roman law compiled under his directive.
Historical Context
The Novellae-Constitutiones were promulgated after the completion of the three other parts of the Corpus Juris Civilis: the Codex Justinianus, the Digest, and the Institutes. While the earlier parts of the corpus were largely compilations or redactions of existing laws, the Novellae-Constitutiones were new legislation enacted by Justinian, addressing contemporary issues not covered or inadequately addressed by previous laws.
Content and Structure
- Number of Novels: The Novellae-Constitutiones contain approximately 168 constitutions, although the exact number can vary slightly due to different editions and collections.
- Language: Unlike the earlier parts of the Corpus Juris Civilis, which were in Latin, the Novellae-Constitutiones were issued in both Latin and Greek, reflecting the linguistic shift in the Eastern Roman Empire.
- Scope: These laws cover a wide range of subjects including:
- Church affairs
- Administrative reforms
- Legal procedures
- Family law
- Property rights
- Marriage and divorce
- Economic regulations
Significance
The Novellae-Constitutiones are significant for several reasons:
- Legal Evolution: They provide insight into the legal evolution from classical Roman law to the law of the Byzantine Empire, reflecting Justinian's efforts to adapt Roman law to the needs of his time.
- Influence: The Novellae-Constitutiones had a lasting impact on civil law traditions in Europe and beyond, influencing legal systems through the reception of Roman law.
- Legislative Techniques: They showcase Justinian's legislative techniques, including his approach to codification and the integration of new laws with existing legal frameworks.
Editions and Collections
There are several versions and collections of the Novellae-Constitutiones:
- The Authentica collection, which includes the novels in Latin.
- The Greek collection known as the Epistulae, which are more extensive and include prefaces to the laws.
External Links
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