A decretist is a student who specialized in studying and providing commentary on Gratian’s Decretum, a book on law, during medieval universities.
During medieval times, a decretist was a student who specialized in studying law, specifically Gratian’s Decretum, and may also serve as a commentator on the text. To be considered a decretist, a student would need to focus on studying law in the Middle Ages and analyzing and interpreting Gratian’s Decretum, as well as engaging in discussions with other scholars and students. The term “decretist” is derived from the Latin word “decretum,” which means “decree” or “judgement,” reflecting the decretist’s area of expertise in understanding and interpreting legal decrees and judgements.
A Decretist is a legal scholar who specializes in the study and interpretation of medieval canon law, particularly the Decretum Gratiani.
The Decretum Gratiani is a collection of canon law compiled and written by the 12th-century jurist Gratian. It served as the foundation for medieval canon law and is still influential in the Catholic Church today.
Decretists played a crucial role in shaping the development of canon law and its influence on medieval society. Their interpretations and commentaries on the Decretum Gratiani helped to establish legal principles and norms within the Catholic Church.
Decretists often focused on topics such as marriage, property rights, ecclesiastical hierarchy, and the relationship between church and state.
Decretist legal principles had a profound impact on the governance and organisation of the Catholic Church, as well as on the legal systems of medieval European societies.
While the specific legal doctrines of the Decretists may not be directly applicable in modern legal systems, their influence on the development of canon law and legal scholarship continues to be felt in the Catholic Church and in the study of legal history.
Notable Decretists include Huguccio, Johannes Teutonicus, and Hostiensis, who made significant contributions to the interpretation and development of canon law.
Decretist legal scholarship focused specifically on the interpretation and application of canon law within the context of the Catholic Church, whereas other forms of legal study in the medieval period often centered on secular law and governance.
Decretists primarily relied on the Decretum Gratiani, as well as other canonical texts, papal decrees, and theological writings, to inform their legal interpretations and commentaries.
Studying Decretist legal scholarship provides valuable insights into the legal, social, and religious dynamics of medieval European societies, as well as the influence of the Catholic Church on governance and law.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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