Legal Definitions - leges regiae

Leges regiae is a Latin term used in Roman law. It refers to fragments of customary law that were mostly related to religious rites. These laws were traditionally attributed to the Roman kings.

One example of leges regiae is the law that required the Vestal Virgins to remain chaste during their 30-year service to the goddess Vesta. Another example is the law that prohibited the burial or cremation of dead bodies within the city walls of Rome.

These examples illustrate how leges regiae were laws that were based on religious customs and traditions. They were attributed to the Roman kings, who were believed to have received them from the gods. These laws were considered to be sacred and were enforced by the priests and other religious officials.