Roman law | Influence, Importance, Principles, & Facts

Roman law of ancient Rome has affected the development of law in most Western civilisation and parts of the East.

It is the foundation for law codes of most countries of continental Europe (civil law) and derivative systems elsewhere.

• Civil law (jus civile) developed during the Roman republic (753-31 BCE). The law was based on custom or legislation and applied only to Roman citizens. Foreigners had no rights unless they were protected by some treaty between their state and Rome.

• By the mid 3rd century BCE, international law (jus gentium) was formed by the Romans and applied to themselves and foreigners. This law was developed by the magistrates and governors who were responsible for administering justice where foreigners were involved.