The Twelve Tables by Anonymous
page 21 of 34 (61%)
page 21 of 34 (61%)
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archaic usage or to point a definition.
The longest fragment only is worth reproduction for the present purpose: To appeal from any judgement (_inuicium_) and sentence (_poena_) is allowed.[75] NOTES [1] The code was known under two titles: _Lex Duodecim Tabularum_ (Law of Twelve Tables) and _Duodecim Tabulae_ (Twelve Tables). [2] _Ab Vrbe Condita_, III. 34. 6. This claim--that these statutes were the source of all public and private law--is exaggerated. Rather the code is chiefly an exposition of private law, derived from customary law, which already existed, and contains some public and religious law as well. For another estimate see Cicero, _De Oratore_, I. 44. 195, where the advocate asserts that "the small manual of the _Twelve Tables_ by itself surpasses the libraries of all the philosophers both in weight of authority and in wealth of utility." [3] Such is the almost unanimous tradition; but one source says ivory (_eboreas_). Since some scholars scout the use of ivory in Rome at that time, the emendation of _eboreas_ to _roboreas_ (wooden) is suggested. |
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