Pharr, Clyde. The Theodosian Code and Novels and the Sirmondian Constitutions: A Translation with Commentary, Glossary, and Bibliography. [Princeton]: Princeton University Press, 1952. xxvi, 643 pp. Reprinted 2001 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. LCCN 2001023441. ISBN 1-58477-146-1. Hardcover. * Definitive scholarly English translation of the Theodosian Code, which was the Code of laws that regulated Roman life at its apex before the era of Justinian. The structure and scope of this text illustrate the complexity of the legal system of this fascinating era and the ultimate fall of the Roman empire. Marital law, adultery and inheritance; libel; the military; pardons; government administration; tax and tax appeals; fiscal law, debtors, and petitions; notification of suit; the secret service; land matters; gladiators, conscripted labor and compulsory public service, slavery and manumission, including the restriction of Jews against ownership of Christian slaves; the relationship of church and state and much more are covered. With thorough introduction, commentary, glossary, bibliography. Well-indexed.

A comprehensive guide to the interpretation of the Theodosian Code. It examines in detail the Code's planning, design and publication, and sets in legal and political context the recognition in the fifth century of the need for a codification of imperial legislation.

The Theodosian Code -- a collection of Roman imperial legislation of the period from Constantine the Great to Theodosius II -- is a fundamental source for understanding the legal, social, economic, cultural, and religious history of the later Roman Empire. More than 2,700 of the 3,500 original texts of the Code survive, illuminating issues as wide-ranging as prison conditions and rural patronage, intestate succession, and the pork supply for the city of Rome. Yet no recent study has closely examined how the Code was prepared, and this gap has hindered accurate interpretation. Laying Down the Law offers for the first time a clear and comprehensive guide to the interpretation of the Theodosian Code. John F. Matthews, a leading authority, on the late Roman Empire, examines in detail the planning, design, and publication of the Code.Matthews sets in legal and political context the recognition in the fifth century of the need for a codification of imperial legislation, describes the editorial principles upon which the work was based, and considers how these principles affected the shape of the Code. Combining legal with historical evidence, Matthews shows the Theodosian Code in a new and more accurate light, emphasizing its importance as a prime source of information on the later Roman Empire.

A translation with commentary, glossary, and bibliography.

An examination of Constantine the Great's legislation and government