Development of Law

By Osnaz89
  • Sep 14, 604

    The Seventeen Article Constitution of Japan

  • Sep 14, 653

    T'Ang Code

  • Sep 14, 700

    Fingerprinting is Invented

  • Sep 14, 1100

    First Law School

  • Sep 14, 1215

    Magna Carta

  • The English Bill of Rights

  • The Salem Witch Trials

    In 1692, a group of young women accused other women of being witches, causing a frenzy of accusations that would lead to the arrest of 300 and execution of 20 people.

  • South Carolina Slave Code

    This document regulated the use of slaves in the colony, and became a model for slave regulation throughout the rest of the British colonies in America, until its repeal after the Civil War.

  • Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England

    A British Barrister rewrote the entirety of English law in easy to read English, making the law more accesible to commoners. The widespread proliferation of this set ensured that it would be studied by lawyers and students, and is of great use today in allowing us to understand the society of 18th century England.

  • The American Declaration of Independence

    The Declaration of Independence marked the end of British dominance in North America, and the beginning of a new nation. It was notable in that it was the first time a government rebuked the theory that some people had a right to rule over others, instead stating that all men were equal.

  • The Constitution of the United States of America

    The seven articles of the Constitution set the basis of the first republican government in the world. It defined the institutions of the government and the powers of each branch. Furthermore, it was declared to be paramount to any other law in the country, and that it would override any inconsistent laws.

  • The American Bill of Rights

    Created to provide Human Rights not written in the Constitutions, American statesmen amended the document to provide freedom of the press and religion and free speech, and protect against cruel or unusual punishments. The ten articles in the Bill of Rights became the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

  • Napoleonic Code

    During the reign of Napoleon, France adopted a comprehensive code of law that enshrined many of the principles of the French Revolution, while also incorporating many parts of Roman Law. The Code was written in a non-technical manner which made it more accesible to the public. This Code served as a model for civil law systems in Quebec, Louisiana, Germany and Switzerland.

  • The Geneva Convention

    This international agreement set the moral standards for military actions and the treatment of enemy soldiers. It is an important legal document to this day, though it is sometimes ignored by militaries and their governments.

  • The Thirteenth Amendment

    Following a costly and deadly Civil War, this amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery in the USA.

  • The Nuremberg War Crimes Trial

    Eight judges from the Allied nations convened in the German town to try Nazi officers for crimes commited during World War II. Twenty-four Nazi's were tried, with twelve recieving the death penalty. The trial demonstrated that carrying out orders form a superior could still leave the subordinate officer guilty of the crimes he commited, and that basic moral standards apply in spite of any military laws.

  • Justinian's Code