Laying down the law

the long version

"Laying Down the Law offers for the first time a clear and comprehensive guide to the interpretation of the Theodosian Code. John F. Matthews, a leading authority on the late Roman Empire, examines in detail the planning, design, and publication of the Code.". "Matthews sets in legal and political context the recognition of the need for a codification of imperial legislation in the fifth century, describes the principles on which the work was based, and considers how these principles affected the shape of the Code. Combining legal with historical evidence, Matthews shows the Theodosian Code in a new and more accurate light, emphasizing its importance as a prime source of information on the late Roman Empire."--BOOK JACKET.