Concept in Definition ABC

In the legal world and right, there are different terms to designate various documents that fulfill specific functions and that are also used in situations or with particular objectives. One of them is the edict, a type of document very common in times when the monarchy was the form of government more common. We can say that today this type of document has fallen into disuse compared to others but it is important to understand its usefulness.

Etymology of the term "edict"

The word 'edict' comes, like most of the titles that are given to the different elements of law, from Latin. This is because the law itself as discipline organized and systematic arises at the time of the Roman Empire, at which time the entire system of existing laws is summarized customarily and different codes are written that are predecessors of the codes known and currently used in many societies.

The term refers to the Latin word edicere that represents the action of pointing out, affirming, warning something. Such is the purpose of the edict as we will see below.

Characteristics and function of an edict

We understand by edict any document that serves to establish some type of rule, law or guideline to be met by the entire population. As indicated by its etymological origin, the edict affirms a concept, an idea, forms of behavior, etc., that must be respected because from the moment they appear in this type of document they become an official part of the legislation of a region.

The edict, unlike the laws that are usually elaborated and formulated by legislative bodies, can be established by different officials of the executive power, from the most central rulers to numerous officials. The important element of an edict is precisely the need to make public something that must be known by the population in order to be respected, then with him the same thing that happens with any legislation.

The example of the Edict of Nantes

One of the best known and most significant edicts in history is the famous Edict of Nantes, the one that was signed at the end of the 16th century, more exactly in 1598, its objective was to end the religious wars that had been taking place for some time in the kingdom of France.

The ruler responsible for this resolution was Henry IV, who with it allowed individuals to profess the religion of their choice without anyone being able to persecute or accuse them for it. This edict served as an emblem of religious tolerance and is considered one of the most important documents in the history of the human rights.

Photos: iStock - simonkr / vitranc