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In the United States, we have a very important document called the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights is a list of rights that everyone enjoys. These laws were written down a long time ago, when our country was first formed, so that everyone would know their rights. This document was saved and protected, so that all citizens today and in the future would enjoy the same rights.    

Over the years, new rights have been added to the list. These new rights are called Amendments. One of the added amendments freed the slaves. Another gave American women the right to vote. These are important rights. They also have been written down, saved, and protected.  

The same was true with Justinian's Code. Emperor Justinian wanted to save in writing all the laws that began in ancient Rome. Those laws were called the Twelve Tables. He collected up all the old laws,  and added new ones that gave his people even more rights. 

One of the laws in Justinian's Code stated that a person was innocent until proven guilty. Can you think of any country today that has this same law? Well, sure - we do! Many countries do, including the United States, Great Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Belgium, and others. 

It is not easy to write laws that are fair for everyone. Our founding fathers did a great job with the Bill of Rights, but then they some great teachers, one of which was Justinian!  Justinian wrote laws that were fair for everyone because he thought about the needs of all the people. He did such a good job way back in 500 CE that new and existing governments still refer to his laws as guides when creating laws for their own countries today!  

Justinian's Code vs. Present Law in the United States

The Twelve Tables and the Justinian Code

The Twelve Tables

Rise of Democratic Ideas - Justinian's Code