Rome: The Laws Of The Twelve Tables

The initial attempt for Romans to create a code of laws was the Laws of the Twelve Tables. The laws, were said, to have come about in order to eliminate tension between the patricians (privileged class) and the plebeians (common people). The Twelve Tables included Laws relating to debtors, inheritance, marriage, rights of a father, property, will and testament, and women. What rights did Roman citizens have according to the Twelve Tables? Roman citizens could not be sentenced to death unless they were found guilty of treason. No Roman citizens could be sentenced to die on the cross. Roman women could not engage in any important business decisions without the agreement of their parents, husbands, or guardians. Any Roman citizen had an absolute power over their slaves; and no Roman citizen could legally be held as slaves. According to the book The Romans- From Village to

This example is found in the law that sates that no Roman citizen could pass from a Patrician family to a Plebeian, or the other way around. Also, a father had the power of life or death over his own children; no son was able to purchase property without his father’s permission. The laws also indicated the importance of Roman inheritance and it continuity. Roman citizens were not allowed to marry a slave or a foreigner, unless the people permitted it. The Twelve Tables laws appreciated fair judgment to all Roman citizens.

How do the Twelve Tables compare to modern laws in the United States? In Ancient Rome there was the Twelve Tables, whereas in the Unites States (now) have the Bills of Rights. One similarity sates that the laws apply to all citizens, rich or poor; anyone that decided not to go by the rules would face consequences. Based on the Twelve Tables one has the right to face accusers and defend himself/herself. In this case the 6th amendment of the U.S. also states that one has the right to face witnesses against