Document Type



Romanization of English Law, 23 Yale Law Journal 318 (1914)


In the Island of Britain was established a Roman province
which lasted four hundred years. Julius Caesar's expedition into
Britain 55 B. C. was followed a century later by permanent conquest
and occupation of the island, and the introduction of Roman
civilization. Britain was from the outset an imperial command
of the first rank, garrisoned at one time by about 30,000 Roman
soldiers, and became an important Roman governorship.
Roman law made rapid strides in Britain during the second and
third centuries A. D., as is attested by the writings of the Roman
jurists Javolenus and Ulpian, who discussed cases arising in
Britain. Moreover, an illustrious galaxy of Roman judges honored
Britain with their presence. York was the seat for three
years of the two highest Roman tribunals, with Papinian, the
prince of Roman jurisconsults, as chief justice, and the famous
Ulpian and Paulus as associate justices,-a wonderfully able and
brilliant court. It was as if the United States Supreme Court
were to hold sessions in Alaska.

Date of Authorship for this Version



Roman history and law, English law