Why were two different legal systems developed in rome?

Answer 1

First off, the legal systems that exist in nation states derived from British heritage are completely different to that of the roman empire. The Roman Empire had what is known as an inquisitorial system of justice where by the judge is not used as primarily a third independent party. The judge in this system asks questions and oral testimonies are relied upon rather than written documents as in the British System. This inquisitorial system still exists in many European nations such as France.

The British system is the Adversarial System or common law system where the courts are used to create common law based on precedent. Unlike the other system, the laws in these courts are not 'codified' and turned to legislation rather they act as precedent as to allow judges to rule on matters before them in the future.

Answer 2

There was only one legal system in ancient Rome. During the Roman Republic the system evolved through bills which were initially proposed by the consuls for the vote of the Assembly of the Soldiers and later by the plebeian tribunes who proposed them to the Plebeian Council and through amendments made to laws by the praetors (chief justices).

With rule by emperors, Roman law evolved through the edicts issued by the emperors.