Legal Definitions - jus novum

JUS NOVUM

Jus novum (pronounced jus noh-vuhm) is a Latin term used in Roman law to refer to the new laws that were introduced during the later Roman Empire.

These laws were different from the old laws, or jus antiquum, that had been in place before. They were created to address new issues and problems that had arisen, and to adapt to changing times.

One example of jus novum is the law that was introduced in the 4th century AD, which made it illegal for a father to kill his own child. This law was created in response to a practice called infanticide, which was common in ancient Rome.

Another example is the law that was introduced in the 5th century AD, which gave women more rights in marriage and divorce. This law was created to address the changing role of women in Roman society.

The examples illustrate how jus novum refers to new laws that were created to address specific issues and adapt to changing times. These laws were different from the old laws, or jus antiquum, that had been in place before.

The first example shows how a new law was introduced to address a specific problem, infanticide, which was not addressed by the old laws. The second example shows how a new law was introduced to reflect the changing role of women in Roman society, which was not reflected in the old laws.