Gratian

Gratian was a medieval legal scholar from the 12th century, best known for his work "Decretum," which systematically compiled and organized canon law (the laws governing the Church). His efforts helped bring clarity and coherence to church law during a time of scattered legal texts. By harmonizing different sources, Gratian laid the foundation for the development of legal scholarship in Europe. His ideas influenced not just canon law but also civil law and the study of jurisprudence overall, marking him as a crucial figure in the evolution of Western legal thought.