“Corpus Juris” is a Latin term that means “body of law” in English. It refers to a comprehensive collection of legal principles, rules, and statutes.
There are several notable “Corpus Juris” collections in the field of law:
– Corpus Juris Civilis: This is the most famous “Corpus Juris.” It is a foundational work of Roman law commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. It consists of four main parts: the Digest (Pandects), the Institutes, the Codex, and the Novellae. The Corpus Juris Civilis had a significant influence on the development of Western legal systems.
– Corpus Juris Canonici: This is a collection of laws and legal interpretations that governed the Catholic Church. It was compiled over centuries and includes elements such as the Decretum Gratiani, the Decretals of Pope Gregory IX, and the Liber Extra. The Corpus Juris Canonici was the primary source of canon law for the Catholic Church for many centuries.
– Corpus Juris Secundum: This is a comprehensive legal encyclopedia in the United States, providing an extensive overview of American law. It covers a wide range of legal topics and is often used as a reference by legal professionals.
– Corpus Juris Ante-Nicene: This collection includes the writings of early Christian theologians and apologists before the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It is an important source for understanding the development of Christian doctrine and theology in the early centuries of the Church.
These various “Corpus Juris” collections have played significant roles in the development and understanding of legal systems and religious institutions throughout history. Each one represents a body of legal or religious texts that have shaped the laws and practices of their respective societies.
