Legal Definitions - lex publica

Definition: Lex publica is a Latin term that means "public law" in English. In Roman law, it refers to a law that is passed by a popular assembly and is binding on all people. It can also refer to a written law.

Examples:

• One example of a lex publica is the Twelve Tables, which were the earliest written laws in Rome. They were created in 449 BC and were binding on all Roman citizens.
• Another example is the Lex Julia, which was a law passed by Julius Caesar that dealt with issues such as marriage and adultery.

These examples illustrate how lex publica refers to laws that are binding on all people and can be either written or passed by a popular assembly. The Twelve Tables were created by a commission of ten men and were displayed in public for all to see. The Lex Julia, on the other hand, was passed by Julius Caesar and was enforced throughout the Roman Empire.