Law and its applications
Janet L. Nelson
The term “law” has a deceptive consistency. It may be said to result from “a particular political ideology or even cosmology.” Yet within given tradition, geographical setting, institutional context, its applications and meanings are far consistent. To study law in history is change. subject of this chapter, the early medieval Church, canon law, turns out disparate lumpy mix, resistant categorization terms later-medievel legal assumptions modern ones alike. A Greek literally yardstick, hence, rule. stuck, west as well East. By 600, canons issued by great councils fourth fifth centuries were widely regarded authoritative. Thereafter, various provinces kingdoms West, no single authority taught interpreted rules law. Bishops assembled made time time, collections continued circulated on private local initiatives, was applied bishops acting judges. situation not so different East, scholars nowadays alive prevalence there, despite concentration evidence emanating Constantinople, provincial activity diversity. In both East secular associated practice, ecclesiastical concerns overlapped imperial legislation. For for rulers Theodosian Code (438) remained an occasional reference point much period covered while Justinianic (534) basis throughout.
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