Final answer:
The Code of Justinian laid the groundwork for many principles in Western law, including the use of legal precedent and the presumption of innocence. Its influence is seen in the distinction between civil and criminal law and the long-lasting legacy of Roman legal philosophy in the contemporary legal systems of most European countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between Justinian’s Code and the contemporary western justice system is foundational. Emperor Justinian of the Eastern Roman Empire sought to codify and unify Roman law, a tradition that significantly influenced modern legal systems. Through the Corpus Juris Civilis, a compilation of Roman legal principles, Roman law was standardized and formed the basis for many concepts found in Western law today.
Key legal ideas that have been carried forward from Roman law, thanks to Justinian’s efforts, include the use of precedent in legal decisions and the principle of innocent until proven guilty. Additionally, the division between private and public law established under Roman jurisprudence echoes in the current distinction between civil and criminal law. These Roman legal concepts have outlasted the empire itself, thus cementing their place in the development of Western legal systems.
Even though some languages and cultural elements of ancient Roman society, such as Latin, fell into disuse or became a status symbol, the legal foundations laid by the empire, and specifically by Justinian, have had a profound and enduring impact on the way justice is administered in the contemporary Western world.