De constitutionibus principum
(Concerning the constitutions of the Emperors.)
1 Ulpianus libro primo institutionum. Quod principi placuit, legis habet vigorem: utpote cum lege regia, quae de imperio eius lata est, populus ei et in eum omne suum imperium et potestatem conferat. 1Quodcumque igitur imperator per epistulam et subscriptionem statuit vel cognoscens decrevit vel de plano interlocutus est vel edicto praecepit, legem esse constat. haec sunt quas volgo constitutiones appellamus. 2Plane ex his quaedam sunt personales nec ad exemplum trahuntur: nam quae princeps alicui ob merita indulsit vel si quam poenam irrogavit vel si cui sine exemplo subvenit, personam non egreditur.
1 Ulpianus, Institutes, Book I. Whatever the Emperor has decreed has the force of law; since by a Royal ordinance which was passed concerning his sovereignty, the people conferred upon him all their own authority and power. 1Therefore, everything which the Emperor decrees by a letter over his signature, whether he decided after examining it or did so without judicial consideration or ordered it by means of an edict, has the force of law; and these are what we generally designate constitutions. 2Among the latter there are some which are special, and are not to be employed as precedents; for whatever the Emperor has granted to anyone as a reward of merit, or where he inflicts a penalty, or relieves a person in an unusual way, this does not extend beyond the party in question.
2 Ulpianus fideicommissorum libro quarto. In rebus novis constituendis evidens esse utilitas debet, ut recedatur ab eo iure, quod diu aequum visum est.
2 Ulpianus, Trusts, Book IV. In the enactment of new laws evidence of benefit should manifestly appear to justify departure from a law which has been considered just for a long period of time.
3 Iavolenus epistularum libro tertio decimo. Beneficium imperatoris, quod a divina scilicet eius indulgentia proficiscitur, quam plenissime interpretari debemus.
3 Javolenus, Epistles, Book XIII. We should interpret as liberally as possible any favor of the Emperor which in fact proceeds from his Divine indulgence.
4 Modestinus libro secundo excusationum. Αἱ μεταγενέστεραι διατάξεις ἰσχυρότεραι τῶν πρὸ αὐτῶν εἰσιν.
4 Modestinus, Excuses, Book II. Recent constitutions have greater authority than those which have preceded them.