Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Lex Annua is a Latin term that refers to a yearly law or edict issued by a praetor, a magistrate in ancient Rome. This law was issued at the beginning of the praetor's term of office and outlined the principles by which he would act during his tenure. It was an important legal document that had the force of law and was used to guide the administration of justice in Rome. The Lex Annua was one of several types of edicts issued by Roman magistrates, including the Edictum Perpetuum, which was a permanent edict that had legislative force, and the Edictum Aedilicium, which was a curule aedile's edict regarding sales in the public market.
Definition: Lex annua is a type of edictum, which is a law or ordinance proclaimed by the emperor in imperial Rome. It is an annual edict issued by a praetor at the beginning of their one-year term of office.
Example: The edictum annuum was a declaration by a magistrate of the principles by which they proposed to act in office. For instance, a praetor could declare the grounds on which a formula would be granted.
This example illustrates that the lex annua was a type of edictum that was issued annually by a praetor at the start of their term of office. It was a declaration of the principles by which they would act in their role as a magistrate.