2. Legal rights for plebeians: The Twelve Tables introduced several legal reforms that benefited the plebeians, who were the common citizens of Rome. For instance, the tables established legal rights and protections for plebeians in various areas, including property ownership, inheritance, and legal proceedings.
3. Protection against arbitrary justice: The Twelve Tables placed restrictions on the powers of magistrates and judges, who often made arbitrary and biased decisions. The tables introduced the concept of "lex certa," which required laws to be clearly defined and made known to the public, thus curbing the discretionary powers of officials.
4. Introduction of the concept of "lex talionis": The Twelve Tables introduced the principle of "lex talionis" or "an eye for an eye," which prescribed severe and proportionate punishments for crimes. This concept emphasized retribution and deterrence as primary purposes of punishment.
5. Procedural reforms: The Twelve Tables introduced procedural reforms that aimed to make the legal process more fair and equitable. These reforms included provisions for summoning witnesses, cross-examination, and the right to defend oneself against accusations.
6. Influence on later Roman law and beyond: The Twelve Tables served as the foundation of Roman law and influenced the development of subsequent legal systems in the Roman Empire and beyond. They provided a framework for future legal reforms and had a lasting impact on the legal systems of many countries that were part of the Roman Empire and those influenced by Roman law.