Legal Definitions - jus honorarium

Definition: Jus honorarium is a Latin term that means "magisterial law" in Roman law. It refers to the body of law established by the edicts of magistrates, especially the praetors and the aediles. These magistrates were entitled and bound to declare by edict how they proposed to administer justice, and their edicts were a supplementary source of law.

Examples: In the Roman Republic, the term jus honorarium sometimes referred collectively to all the proclamations of magistrates, such as the consuls, praetors, aediles, quaestors, censors, provincial governors, and pontifices. For example, a praetor might issue an edict stating how he intended to interpret and apply the law in his jurisdiction. These edicts were not legislative acts, but they had the force of law and were binding on the parties involved in a legal dispute.

Explanation: Jus honorarium was an important source of law in ancient Rome, especially in the absence of a written legal code. The edicts of magistrates helped to fill in the gaps and clarify the meaning of existing laws. For example, a praetor might issue an edict stating that he would interpret a particular law in a certain way, or that he would allow certain defenses or exceptions in a particular type of case. These edicts were important because they helped to ensure that justice was administered fairly and consistently throughout the Roman Republic.