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The 12 Tables


Guest Kayla

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Referring to the Twelve Tables..the first codification of laws/customs in the Roman world.

 

I understand the consequences of the rules, but what is the significance of them?

 

I don't understand how they compare with earlier compilations of statutes that mark the central evolution of law within western civilization! I'm so confused..anyone have any comments?

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Were any previous codifications of basic law drawn up by an elected committee and then ratified by a voting assembly of the people? To my knowledge, all previous codes of law (e.g., that of Hammurabi and also I think those of Solon) had been devised by authors and imposed on the people without their consent. In contrast at least the first ten of the Twelve Tables had been approved by the full assembly of the Roman people in the Comitia Centuriata.

The Romans were actually quite proud of the Twelve Tables. Cicero (De Oratore, 1.44) famously commented on them

Though all the world exclaim against me, I will say what I think: that single little book of the Twelve Tables, if anyone look to the fonts and sources of laws, seems to me, assuredly, to surpass that libraries of all the philosophers, both in weight of authority, and in plenitude of utility.
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