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jus scriptum
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jus scriptum

law
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Jus scriptum refers to written or statute law, originating from Late Latin for "written law". The Romans divided their legal system into jus scriptum (written law) and jus non scriptum (unwritten law, meaning custom).12

Written law encompassed various forms:
* Leges: Enactments by Roman assemblies, later including plebiscita (resolutions of the plebeian council) after 287 BCE.2
* Edicta: Proclamations by magistrates, such as praetors, which became a significant source of legal reform.2
* Senatus consulta: Resolutions of the Roman Senate, which gained legislative force during the empire.2
* Constitutiones principum: Expressions of the emperor's legislative power, making the emperor the primary law creator.2
* Responsa prudentium: Legal opinions from learned jurists.2

The Twelve Tables, enacted around 451-450 BCE, represent an early and important body of leges.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. lex scripta
  2. Roman law - Written and unwritten law

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