Legal Definitions - glossators

Definition: Glossators were a group of Italian jurisconsults who revived the study of Roman law from the 11th to the 13th centuries. They explained difficult or unclear passages by writing in the margins, which gradually turned into full-blown commentaries and discussions.

Example: The glossators were responsible for the revival of Roman law study in Europe. They wrote commentaries on Roman law that helped to clarify its meaning and application.

Definition:Postglossators were mainly Italian jurisconsults who were active during the 14th and 15th centuries. They wrote commentaries and treatises that related Roman law to feudal and Germanic law, canon law, and other contemporary bodies of law.

Example: The postglossators were the second wave of Roman-law study after its revival in the 11th century. They built on the work of the glossators and expanded the study of Roman law to include other legal systems.