Equality In Roman Law

Throughout the development of Rome, large political movements brought forth equality amongst classes. Rome used law to benefit its people, giving citizens a voice within their city. Founded on a sense of pride and morals, Romans beliefs were universal. However, cultures that base themselves off of a system of honesty and integrity never stay unwritten. These moral beliefs are well documented within Roman law. The Twelve Tables set forth the first movement for equality within Rome, giving the plebians a voice. It was not long until another push for equality was necessary to balance Rome, bringing forth the Agrarian Laws. As Christianity swept across the Empire, soon Christians were given freedom to worship. The efforts of Roman law built equality …show more content…
The client owner relationship began to continually separate the two social classes, leaving the plebians to be subject to the decision of patricians. A furor for an establishment of written law over took the plebians. The Twelve Tables sought to shorten the gap between plebians and patricians by setting a written law code, which embraced the cultural traditions in Rome. The main function of this law code was to hold people to their word, ensuring that the moral of honesty was upheld. Those who disobeyed the Twelve Tables were subject to fines. The Twelve Tables established equality by giving fair trial and punishment. The Twelve Tables gave plebians a voice, but more importantly gave plebians a sense of …show more content…
Romans’ were tired of the constant bloodshed seen within their government, the corruption that delayed the progress of Rome and threatened its very existence. The conflicts within Rome’s legal system brought forth another urgency in the legal system; Romans’ felt the need for change. The emperor was seen as a senator first among all equals. Throughout the reign of the empire Roman’s saw great expansions and economic prosperity, however soon again faced great trials. The spread of Christianity within the Roman Empire brought forth a threat to Roman unity. Persecutions sought to exterminate the Christians within the Empire, however, many had made their way within the legal positions between the years of 30 A.D. to 300 A.D. Romans were divided, attacking and accusing neighbors of not worshiping the gods. Persecutions began to run rampant and division yet again settled within Rome creating a new urgency for unity among the people. Galerius witnessed the disunity and state of fragility Rome was in, wishing to satisfy his people and bring forth a new era of peace passed the first Edict of Toleration in 311 A.D. This edict sought to unify Rome, giving Christians the freedom to practice and fully accepting Christianity, giving Christians the ability to once again hold legal offices and practice freely. This Law shows how Rome attempts to unify its entirety