Milan Bread Riots: Renzo’s Experience in I Promessi Sposi Ch. 12
Milan in Revolt: The Bread Riots of 1628
Milan was indeed a city in revolt. Minds, exasperated by grievances, had turned to action, specifically assaulting bakeries. Not only the city, but all of Lombardy under Spanish rule, was suffering from hunger and famine.
Causes of the Famine and Unrest
The causes were partly natural: a severe drought and abandoned farmland. However, human factors exacerbated the situation:
- The War of the Mantuan Succession (involving Monferrato and the Gonzaga family) led to
Roman Republic Officials: Key Magistracies Explained
Key Magistracies of the Roman Republic
Tribune of the Plebs
The Tribunate of the Plebs was a crucial magistracy representing the plebeians against the patricians. Tribunes held significant power, including the right to veto actions harmful to the plebeians.
Curule Aediles
The office of the Curule Aediles (initially patrician, later open to plebeians) was likely created by the Leges Liciniae Sextiae in 367 BC, alongside the existing Plebeian Aediles. The term ‘Curule’ signifies their right to sit on
Read MoreFoundations of the Modern Liberal State
The modern liberal state emerged from the old regime, which was primarily the absolutist monarchy. In this form, the king or queen was the sovereign, and their word was law. In the 17th century, a new way of thinking was born: the idea that all members of society constitute the people, and sovereignty resides in the people by law. This new order was founded on law.
Republican traditions are closely associated with the liberal tradition. The principle that the law should be the same for all guarantees
Read MoreCanonical Impediments to Marriage
Certain personal situations or previous legal relationships can prevent a valid marriage according to canon law.
Prior Marriage Bond
According to Canon 1085, “invalidly attempts marriage who is bound by the bond from a previous marriage, even if not consummated.” This principle, according to other canonical sources, affects both Catholics and non-Catholics. Marriage in general is understood to be subject to unity in its double meaning of monogamy and fidelity.
This impediment is considered divine law
Read MoreLabor Standards and Employment Contracts
Hierarchy of Labor Standards
In cases of conflicting labor standards, the principle of upholding worker protection prevails. The source containing more favorable provisions for the employee should take precedence.
Functions of Legal Principles
- Creative Function: Legislators consider guiding principles when drafting bills.
- Integrative Function: Principles fill gaps in existing laws.
- Interpretative Function: Principles influence the interpretation of legal rules.
- Normative Function: Principles guide decisions
Formation of Catalan Law: Charters & Liber Iudiciorum
Catalonia: Early Legal Development
The Formative Stage: Population Charters
The formative stage of Catalan law occurred between the 9th and 13th centuries. Geographically, this law applied primarily to ‘Old Catalonia’ and was characterized by:
- The maintenance and subsequent decline of the Visigothic law, the Liber Iudiciorum.
- The appearance of population charters and franchises, which the counts used to address emerging needs.
- The expansion of feudal law through the usatges (customs or usages), namely