Digest (Pandects)

The Digest, also known as Pandects, is a comprehensive compilation of Roman legal writings and opinions from the 6th century, commissioned by Emperor Justinian. It gathers the writings of influential Roman jurists and organizes them into a systematic collection to preserve and clarify Roman law. The Digest served as a foundational legal reference, shaping subsequent legal traditions and curricula. It is part of the larger Corpus Juris Civilis, which profoundly influenced modern legal systems, especially in civil law countries. Essentially, it is an organized, authoritative summary of Roman legal thought meant to guide legal practice and scholarship.