Define: Jus Novum

The term “jus novum” in Roman law refers to the new law or the law of the later Roman Empire. It is also called “leges”. Jus novum is the opposite of “jus antiquum”, which refers to the old law.

Jus Novum, a Latin term used in Roman law, refers to the introduction of new laws during the later Roman Empire. These laws were distinct from the old laws, or jus antiquum, that were previously in place. They were created to tackle new issues and problems that had arisen and to adapt to changing times. For instance, one example of jus novum is the law that prohibited fathers from killing their own children, which was introduced in the 4th century AD in response to the common practice of infanticide in ancient Rome. Another example is the law that granted women more rights in marriage and divorce, which was introduced in the 5th century AD to address the evolving role of women in Roman society. These examples demonstrate how jus novum pertains to new laws that were established to address specific issues and adapt to changing times, distinct from the old laws, or jus antiquum, that were previously in place. The first example highlights the introduction of a new law to address a specific problem, infanticide, which was not addressed by the old laws. The second example illustrates the introduction of a new law to reflect the changing role of women in Roman society, which was not reflected in the old laws.

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This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.