Twelve Tables

Loix des Douze Tables

Twelve Tables Engraving

Gortys Law Code

Jacques-Godefroy-De-imperio-maris MG 1188

The Twelve Tables (Leges Duodecim Tabularum or Duodecim Tabulae) was a set of laws inscribed on 12 bronze tablets created in ancient Rome in 451 and 450 BC. It is considered the earliest attempt by Rome to create a code of law; as such, it holds a fundamental place in the history of Roman law. The Twelve Tables are a milestone in the transition from the unwritten customary law to a written code of law, which could be publicly accessed by the Roman citizenry.

Background

The need for the codification of laws became apparent with the social changes and increasing complexity of the Roman Republic. The Roman society was divided into two distinct classes: the Patricians, who were the aristocratic and ruling class, and the Plebeians, who were the commoners. The Plebeians often found themselves at a disadvantage in legal disputes due to the lack of a written law that could be universally accessed and understood. This led to the demand for a written code of laws, which culminated in the creation of the Twelve Tables.

Creation

The process of creating the Twelve Tables involved appointing a special commission, known as the Decemviri Legibus Scribundis, which consisted of ten officials. In 451 BC, this commission was given the task of drafting a set of laws that would be acceptable to both Patricians and Plebeians. The commission reportedly studied the laws of other cities as well, possibly including those of Greece and other Italic peoples. After extensive deliberations, the Decemviri produced the laws on twelve bronze tablets, which were publicly displayed in the Roman Forum, allowing all Roman citizens to see and learn the laws.

Content

The content of the Twelve Tables covered a wide range of topics, including legal procedure, civil rights, property rights, family law, and religious law. The laws were written in a succinct and straightforward manner. Some of the notable laws included:

- The legal process and the rights of parties in a trial - Regulations concerning debt and the treatment of debtors - Laws regarding inheritance and the guardianship of minors - Rules about the acquisition and ownership of property - Provisions for family law, including marriage, divorce, and the authority of the paterfamilias (head of the household) - Penalties for various crimes, including theft and murder

Impact

The Twelve Tables had a profound impact on Roman law and society. They provided a foundation for future legal developments and were used as a reference for legal disputes and interpretations for centuries. The Tables also represented an important step towards equality before the law for all Roman citizens, regardless of class. Although the original bronze tablets were lost over time, the content of the Twelve Tables was preserved through transcription and later legal texts.

Legacy

The legacy of the Twelve Tables extends beyond ancient Rome. They are considered a crucial precursor to the development of modern legal systems. The principles found in the Twelve Tables, such as the importance of a written and publicly accessible code of laws, have influenced legal systems around the world. The Twelve Tables remain a subject of study for those interested in the history of law, Roman history, and the development of legal systems.