THE ROMANO-GERMAN LEGAL FAMILY: HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS, STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENT
Keywords:
Romano-German legal family, Civil Law, codification, Roman law, legal sources, comparative law, judicial precedent, legal methodology.Abstract
This scientific article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Romano-German legal family, also known as the Civil Law system, which represents one of the most influential juridical traditions in the modern world. The research examines the historical genesis of this legal family, tracing its origins from ancient Roman law through the medieval reception of Roman jurisprudence to the great codification movements of the nineteenth century. Special attention is devoted to the structural features that distinguish the Romano-German system from other legal families, particularly the Anglo-American Common Law tradition. The study analyzes the hierarchical structure of legal sources, the limited role of judicial precedent, the centrality of codification, and the distinctive methodology of legal reasoning within this tradition. Furthermore, the article explores contemporary challenges facing the Romano-German legal family in the era of globalization, digital transformation, and European integration. The research concludes that despite convergent trends with other legal systems, the Romano-German family maintains its fundamental identity through its commitment to systematic codification, legislative supremacy, and rational-logical legal methodology. The findings contribute to comparative legal studies and provide theoretical foundations for legal reform processes in countries belonging to this legal tradition.
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