Kees Bezemer Livres

Among the academic jurists of the past there are many who have given little or no information about the legal practice of their day. Jacques de Revigny (_ 1296), who taught Roman Law at Orleans, is one of the exceptions. The reports of his lectures contain many references to the doings and dealings of his contemporaries. Taken as a whole, these personal observations and comments present a vivid image of the world he lived in. In this book Revigny's remarks are incorporated in small chapters each representing a particular class of people, both from the clerical and secular orders. Starting with the pope, we meet bishops, priests and students, the King of France and many others. It will come as no surprise that special attention is paid to those engaged in the administration of justice, like judges, lawyers and notaries public. To complete Revigny's tour d'horizon of thirteenth-century France three chapters are added in which his views on Roman, canon, customary and divine law are discussed. The Italian jurist and poet Cino da Pistoia (_ 1336) recounted that Revigny was a man with a very acute mind. That is what the emperor Justinian said of the famous classical jurist Papinian (_ 212). Do we need more of a recommendation?

„If I had a secular office, I would never accept the tonsure“, stated Pierre de Belleperche (d. 1308) during his lectures at Orleans law school, reflecting his discomfort with his clerical status. Despite opportunities for advancement under King Philip the Fair after 1296, Belleperche retained his tonsure and expressed dissatisfaction with his time in Orleans. Nevertheless, he produced an exemplary body of work, particularly his lectures on Roman law, noted for their clarity and organization. Belleperche held strict views on interpreting Roman law and teaching methods, having observed the misuse of Justinian's texts by colleagues, especially Jacques de Revigny, whom he criticized for his dialectical approach and lack of understanding of Roman law's spirit. Their differing perspectives on customary law and other legal matters are significant in Belleperche's writings. He was also troubled by abuses within the French church, aligning him with King Philip until the persecution of the Knights Templar led to his dismissal as Keeper of the Seal. His death shortly after raises questions about his refusal to condone the King's unjust actions. This book explores Belleperche's major work, a lecture on the Code, which, though never published, influenced Italian jurist Cinus de Pistoia. It uncovers Belleperche's interpretative methods and contextualizes his legal views within the French legal landscape, foreshadowing Bartolus' strict inte