Jus Gentium
/ˈjuːs dʒɛnˈtiːum/
Definitions
- (n.) A body of laws regarded as common to all human societies, originally referring to the law of nations or international law in Roman law tradition.
The jus gentium governed relations among different Roman provinces and foreign peoples.
- (n.) Principles of common law recognized by natural reason and applicable across nations, forming a basis for modern international law.
Modern international treaties often derive their principles from jus gentium.
Related terms
Commentary
Jus gentium originally referred to the law governing relations between peoples during Roman times and evolved into a foundational concept for international law; usage may vary between historical and modern legal contexts.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.