Legal Definitions - edicta magistratuum

Definition: Edicta magistratuum is a Latin term that refers to the body of law established by the edicts of magistrates, especially the praetors and the aediles. These magistrates were entitled to declare by edict how they proposed to administer justice, and their edicts were a supplementary source of law.

Example: In the Roman Republic, the term edicta magistratuum sometimes referred collectively to all the proclamations of magistrates, such as the consuls, praetors, aediles, quaestors, censors, provincial governors, and pontifices. These magistrates were not legislators, but they were bound to declare by edict how they proposed to administer justice. For example, a praetor might issue an edict stating that he would not hear cases involving certain types of disputes. This edict would then become part of the jus honorarium, or magisterial law.

Explanation: The example illustrates how edicta magistratuum was used in the Roman Republic to supplement the existing body of law. The magistrates were not legislators, but they had the power to issue edicts that would become part of the jus honorarium. These edicts helped to clarify how the magistrates intended to administer justice and provided guidance for future cases.