The Roman Law of Sale: Digest XVIII.1 and XIX.1

What it is

This book presents two titles from Justinian's Digest, the great compilation of Roman law, dealing with contracts of sale. Edited by James Mackintosh, a professor of civil law, it was first published in 1892 and reissued in this enlarged 1907 edition with translation and notes comparing it to modern law.

Why it matters

The Digest was commissioned by Justinian as part of his effort to organize centuries of Roman legal writing into one authoritative text. This book shows how later lawyers, such as Mackintosh, continued to study and apply Justinian's legal compilation centuries later, including comparing it to the Sale of Goods Act.

Look closer

• Why would a modern law professor still want students to study a Roman legal text?
• What does the mixing of ancient text and modern commentary add or take away from the original source?
• What does this tell you about the lasting influence of Justinian's legal work?