Roman Law.
Interesting judicial outcomes have made the headlines of late.
In the last chapter of ‘Digest’ Justinian lists 211 examples of common rules of law. I’ll save you the tedium of all 211 and also the tedium of referencing where each and every one comes from, as he does, but they are a mixture of Pauluine and Ulpian laws with others. They are still largely relevant to this day.
- That which is faulty in the beginning cannot become valid with the passage of time.
- Not cohabitation but consent makes a marriage.
- No one who has the power to condemn lacks the power to acquit.
- No one may be forcibly removed from his own house.
- No one is compelled to defend a cause against his will.
- Anything not permitted the defendant ought not be allowed the plaintiff.
- In cases of doubt, the more liberal interpretations should always be preferred.
- An obligation to do the impossible is null and void.
- When judgement is rendered against persons to the extent of their ability, their entire possessions are not to be taken away, but consideration is to be shown them so that they are not reduced to want.
- Liberty is a possession on which no evaluation can be placed.
- Freedom is beloved above all things.
And, perhaps most pertinently.
- No one suffers a penalty for what he thinks