Romanization of English Law

Abstract

In the Island of Britain was established a Roman province which lasted four hundred years. Julius Caesar's expedition into Britain 55 B. C. was followed a century later by permanent conquest and occupation of the island, and the introduction of Roman civilization. Britain was from the outset an imperial command of the first rank, garrisoned at one time by about 30,000 Roman soldiers, and became an important Roman governorship. Roman law made rapid strides in Britain during the second and third centuries A. D., as is attested by the writings of the Roman jurists Javolenus and Ulpian, who discussed cases arising in Britain. Moreover, an illustrious galaxy of Roman judges honored Britain with their presence. York was the seat for three years of the two highest Roman tribunals, with Papinian, the prince of Roman jurisconsults, as chief justice, and the famous Ulpian and Paulus as associate justices,-a wonderfully able and brilliant court. It was as if the United States Supreme Court were to hold sessions in Alaska.