2. The Roman Empire The Roman Empire’s influence on modern western nations is undeniable, but why did that occur? The power and control the empire exhibited was certainly a major factor of its influence. But more importantly was the legal and ethical structure that the empire had created, and nourished.
3. Roman society was the embodiment of legal structure at the time, and it came to be their specialty. Roman law applied to all citizens of the empire, whether long standing, or newly conquered. This was a unique privilege and instilled a sense of pride and worth in the people to be a Roman. Composing, interpreting and spreading the law was considered to be the height of human reason. “Civitas”
4. The basic concepts of what we today would consider international law, was created by the Romans. The rule of law was also moderately applied to warfare, with the concept of waging “just” or “unjust” wars. Just wars were considered conflicts where the defense and sovereignty of the nation was at stake. This concept however was obviously abused for personal gains. Universal Law
