Lex scripta

Lex scripta (plural: leges scriptae) is a Latin expression that means "written or statutory law". It is in contrast to lex non scripta, customary or common law. The term originates from the Roman legal tradition. Emperor Justinian divided the lex scripta into several categories:

  • Statutes
  • Plebiscita
  • Senatorial Decrees
  • The Decisions of the Emperors
  • Orders of the Magistrates
  • Answers of Jurisconsults

Lex scripta has a lasting effect that can define a legal tradition for a culture such as that found in the Corpus Juris Civilis, Magna Carta, Tang Code, or a country's constitution.

See also


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