Legal Definitions - liber iudiciorum

Definition: Liber iudiciorum is another term for the Lex Visigothorum, which means "law of the Visigoths" in Latin. It refers to the legal system created by the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe that conquered Spain in the 5th century. The phrase is usually used to describe the Visigothic common law imposed by Kings Recceswinth and Erwig in the late 7th century.

Example: The Liber Iudiciorum was a collection of laws that covered a wide range of topics, including property rights, marriage, and criminal offenses. For example, it stated that a woman could inherit property from her husband if he died without a will, and that stealing livestock was punishable by death.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the Liber Iudiciorum was a comprehensive legal system that covered many aspects of life. It shows how the laws were designed to protect property rights and punish criminal behavior. The example also highlights the harsh penalties that were imposed for certain offenses, which reflects the Visigoths' strict approach to law and order.