A foundational legal code of ancient Rome, it represents an early attempt to codify and publicize Roman law. It was inscribed on bronze tablets and displayed in the Roman Forum, making the law accessible to all citizens, a significant departure from previous unwritten and potentially arbitrary legal practices. The content addressed a wide range of legal issues, from debt and property rights to family law and criminal procedure.
Its creation served as a crucial step towards a more equitable and predictable legal system. The accessibility of written law limited the power of the patrician class to interpret the law according to their own interests. This contributed to social stability and the development of Roman jurisprudence. This codified system influenced subsequent legal developments in Roman history and served as a basis for later legal systems in Europe.
