Legal Definitions - lex imperatoria

Lex imperatoria refers to the body of law enacted or decreed by an emperor or the supreme sovereign authority within an empire. It represents the highest form of law in such a system, deriving its power directly from the imperial ruler and applying across their entire dominion.

Here are some examples illustrating this concept:

• Imagine Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire commissioning the creation of the Corpus Juris Civilis in the 6th century. This monumental compilation and revision of Roman law was initiated and enforced by Justinian, the supreme ruler. Its authority stemmed directly from his imperial power, making it a prime example of lex imperatoria, as it was the law of the emperor for his empire.

• Consider Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent of the Ottoman Empire issuing a kanunname (imperial law code) in the 16th century that standardized land tenure and taxation across his vast territories. As the supreme sovereign, Suleiman's decree had the force of law throughout his dominion. This kanunname was a direct expression of his imperial authority and thus falls under the category of lex imperatoria.

• Think about the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty in China issuing an imperial edict in the late 17th century that established new regulations for the administration of justice and the conduct of officials throughout the entire Qing Empire. This edict, originating directly from the Emperor, held ultimate legal authority across the vast realm. It was a manifestation of the Emperor's supreme legislative power, making it a form of lex imperatoria.