Roman law traditions and classification into ‘branches’ of contemporary legal systems

Abstract

The author of this study emphasizes the contemporary significance of Roman law traditions. He points out that the idea of classification (divisio) of the Roman legal system originated in ancient Greek and Hellenistic philosophical thinking. He also emphasizes that the classification or partition (divisio) of ius civile is in no way related to the presentday classification of the legal order (system) into various ‘branches’ of law, particularly in civil law jurisdictions. Referring to a number of examples, the author proves that Roman law did not recognize a separation between public and private law as it is recognized today in many jurisdictions. He points out, in compliance with the thoughts of Azo, the ‘danger’ of this separation. The division is hardly able to provide any contribution to an adequate interpretation and development of law, since it evokes the ‘danger’ i.e. the negative consequences, of the disintegration of the legal system.