Final answer:
Justinian's Code, known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, significantly influenced contemporary Western legal systems by establishing foundational legal principles such as 'innocent until proven guilty' and the use of precedents. It helped systematize Roman law and preserve its usage through Europe, forming the basis for civil law traditions that persist today.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Justinian's Code, or the Corpus Juris Civilis, was a comprehensive compilation of Roman law commissioned by Emperor Justinian, which reshaped the legal landscape of the time and had a lasting impact on the justice system in the contemporary western world. This code systematically organized and updated the body of Roman laws, which included components like The Digest, The Institutes, and The Code. It eliminated inconsistencies, preserved Roman legal thought, and helped spread Roman legal principles across Europe, influencing the modern codification of laws.
One of the pioneering contributions of Roman law, preserved through Justinian's Code, is the principle of innocent until proven guilty, which forms a cornerstone of many modern legal systems. The practice of using precedent in legal decisions and the interpretation of the spirit of the law over a literal reading also have their roots in Roman law. Moreover, Justinian's efforts in compiling the laws also meant that Latin remained an important legal language, even as it gradually fell from common use, linking the Roman Empire's legal heritage to modern Western legal systems.
These Roman legal principles not only outlived the Roman Empire but also became integral to the foundation of Western legal traditions. Many European legal systems are direct descendants of the concepts codified in Justinian's Code, signifying the profound influence of Roman law on current justice practices. The legal systems of most European countries, except Britain with its common law tradition, can trace their roots back to Justinian’s codification efforts.