Corpus Juris Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Corpus Juris, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Corpus Juris?

History and Meaning of Corpus Juris

Corpus Juris translates to "body of law" in Latin. It is a compilation of various legal materials, including laws, cases, and assumptions. The concept of Corpus Juris dates back to the Roman Empire, where it was used to describe the collected works of Roman law. Over time, the term has been used to refer to similar collections of legal materials in other legal systems.

In the 6th century, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I commissioned a team of legal scholars to compile the Corpus Juris Civilis, a collection of Roman law that served as a foundation for much of European law. In the United States, Corpus Juris Secundum is a legal encyclopedia that contains legal principles, cases, and citations organized by topic.

Examples of Corpus Juris

1. Lawyers often consult Corpus Juris Secundum when researching legal issues.
2. The Corpus Juris Civilis was a milestone in the history of legal scholarship.
3. The concept of Corpus Juris has influenced legal systems around the world.

Legal Terms Similar to Corpus Juris

1. Legal encyclopedia - a comprehensive collection of legal information on a wide range of topics.
2. Legal precedent - a legal decision that serves as a guide for future cases.
3. Code of law - a systematic collection of laws and regulations.