Final answer:
The Code of Justinian has been profoundly influential in the shaping of modern legal systems, particularly civil law in Europe, through its impact on the Napoleonic Code and various European civil codes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Code of Justinian, a sweeping reform of legal codes under Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I, has significantly influenced the development of legal systems globally. This set of laws, also known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, became the foundation for modern civil law and was the direct antecedent to many European legal systems.
Examples of Influence:
Napoleonic Code: The Code of Justinian served as a source of inspiration for the Napoleonic Code, which was enacted in France in the early 19th century and later adopted in various forms by numerous jurisdictions around the world. It embodied principles such as legal equality, secular law, and the categorization of law into different branches.
European Civil Codes: Many European countries' civil codes have elements derived from Justinian's work, integrating Roman law principles with local customs, as seen in Italian and German civil codes.