Volume – 01, Issue – 01, Page : 01-

Intersecting Narratives in Legal Evolution through Divine Guidance and Democratic Aspirations

Author/s

Nia Nzube

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.56106/lss.2021.008

Date of Publication

29 October 2021

Abstract :
This research paper embarks on a comprehensive exploration of legal evolution across diverse civilizations and epochs. Commencing with an in-depth analysis of the Old Testament, dated back to 1280 BC, the study examines the moral imperatives and divine commandments within its sacred texts. These ethical precepts, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, resonate through Judeo-Christian legal traditions, offering a foundational code of conduct for individuals and communities. The narrative then shifts to ancient Athens, an 8th-century BC crucible of democratic experimentation. Athens, pioneering inclusivity in governance, lacked a codified legal system, relying instead on a nuanced tripartite distinction—divine law (thémis), human decree (nomos), and custom (díkē). The Athenian experiment, marked by civic engagement and participatory justice, invites contemplation on the intersections of divine principles, human legislation, and customary norms. The discourse further unfolds in the vast expanse of China, where the twilight years of the Qing Dynasty witnessed a transformation in traditional Chinese law. This evolution, symbolized by the formulation of six private law codes, drew inspiration from the Japanese model infused with elements of German law. The legacy of this legal renaissance endures in contemporary Taiwanese law, highlighting the adaptability of legal systems and the enduring impact of pivotal historical moments. The juxtaposition of these narratives illuminates the universal and contextual dimensions of legal principles. Whether rooted in divine revelation, democratic aspirations, or strategic borrowing from foreign models, the study underscores the dynamic interplay of cultural, philosophical, and historical forces shaping legal thought, thus prompting reflection on sources of normativity, the role of divine guidance, and the adaptability of legal systems across diverse cultural contexts. The Old Testament, Athens, and China, though disparate in foundations, collectively contribute to the evolving discourse on justice and ethics, weaving together a narrative that transcends temporal and cultural boundaries.

Keywords :
Athenian Democracy, Civic Engagement, Cultural Adaptability, Divine Law, Ethical Precepts, Judeo-Christian Legal Traditions, Legal Evolution, Legal Transformation in China, Normativity, Taiwanese Law.

References :

  • Akhtar, A., Aziz, S., & Mushtaq, H. (2021). Debunking the Subaltern Voice: A Critical Analysis of Representative Colonial and Postcolonial Texts in Pakistani ESL Setting. Elementary Education Online, 20(4), 3142-3142.
  • Anthias, F. (2001). New hybridities, old concepts: the limits of’culture’. Ethnic and racial studies, 24(4), 619-641.
  • Wilson, R., & Dissanayake, W. (1996). Global/local: Cultural production and the transnational imaginary: Duke University Press.
  • Yeĝenoĝlu, M. (2005). Cosmopolitanism and nationalism in a globalized world. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 28(1), 103-131.



Interact on Social Media

WEB – PAGE COUNTER

Visit counter For Websites