Why did Justinian create his law code?
Justinian created his law code, known as the Corpus Juris Civilis or the Justinian Code, for several reasons.
1. Legal System Consolidation: One of Justinian's main objectives was to consolidate and organize the existing Roman legal system, which had become fragmented and complex over centuries. By creating a unified law code, Justinian aimed to clarify and simplify legal principles and procedures.
2. Imperial Authority: Justinian wanted to assert his authority as the Emperor and codify the legal framework under his rule. The law code presented an opportunity to establish his power and provide a concrete expression of his policies and values.
3. Legal Clarity: The Justinian Code aimed to provide clarity and consistency in legal matters. It combined various sources of Roman law, including statutes, principles developed by jurists, and previous imperial edicts. Justinian sought to eliminate contradictions and confusing legal interpretations, making the law more accessible and understandable to both legal professionals and the general population.
4. Administrative Efficiency: By creating a comprehensive law code, Justinian intended to streamline the administration of justice. The clear legal guidelines and standardized procedures helped judges and administrators to resolve cases more efficiently and objectively.
5. Preservation of Roman Legal Heritage: As a devout Christian, Justinian wished to preserve and systematize the Roman legal heritage. By codifying the law, he aimed to secure its enduring value and ensure its continued application even in the face of societal changes.
Overall, Justinian's creation of the law code aimed to establish his authority, simplify the legal system, promote uniformity, ensure efficient administration of justice, and preserve the Roman legal tradition.