Final answer:
The 12 Tables of Roman Law had a significant impact on the system of record-keeping and the government in Rome, establishing principles still influential in modern legal systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 12 Tables of Roman Law had a significant impact on the system of record-keeping and the government in Rome. These laws, which were the first set of written laws in Rome, were created in 451 BCE in response to concerns of corruption and bias in legal proceedings. By making the laws publicly available, the plebeians, who were the commoners, sought to ensure fair treatment and equal rights.
The 12 Tables codified important legal principles that are still influential in modern legal systems. For example, they established the principle of innocent until proven guilty, a radical notion at the time when accused individuals were often presumed guilty. They also provided rules for property disputes, contracts, and family law, among other areas.
Their lasting impact can be seen in the development of Roman jurisprudence and the concept of using precedent to shape legal decisions. The 12 Tables set a precedent for the importance of written laws and accessibility to legal rights for all citizens. This marked a shift towards a more transparent and egalitarian system of governance.