German Civil Code
The BGB, the systematic German civil code in force since 1900
Overview
Drafted over two decades by pandectist scholars, the BGB took effect in 1900 as an abstract, five book architecture from general rules through obligations, property, family, and inheritance. Its conceptual rigor made it the scientists' code, studied and transplanted to Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Greece. Twentieth century judges softened its formalism through general clauses on good faith and morality. With the 2002 reform of obligations it modernized while keeping its famous structure. Its abstract style was deliberate, meant to govern any case through concepts rather than enumerated fact patterns.
Related Topics
Napoleonic Code
Napoleon's commission distilled revolutionary ideals, equality before the law, property, secular civil status, and contract freedo...
Civil Law System
The civil law family, heir to Justinian's compilation as filtered through Napoleon and the German pandectists, organizes law into ...
Inquisitorial System
In the inquisitorial tradition descending from canon law, the court, often through an investigating judge, assembles the dossier, ...
Declaration of the Rights of Man
Proclaimed in August 1789 at the heart of the French Revolution, the declaration announced that men are born and remain free and e...