Napoleon Code (French Civil Code)

Author: Li Haopei, Wu Chuanyi, Kong Minggang translated
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1979-10-01
Features: The Civil Code of France, published in 1804 and also known as the Napoleonic Code, was a product of the French bourgeois revolution of 1789. It was the earliest civil code of a bourgeois state; after some revisions, it is still in effect in France today. The Civil Code of France has clearly had a significant influence on the development of civil law in various countries of the capitalist world. The reason for this is as follows: First, France was a major power in the 19th century, and its strength made it easy for the code to influence foreign countries. Second, the code had superiority both in form and substance, which also made it easy to influence foreign countries. In terms of form, the code has simple and clear wording, rigorous logic, and a complete system. In terms of substance, the code compromises between French customary law and Roman civil law, making it a harmonious whole. Moreover, most importantly, it abolished all feudal privileges and shackles. Some of its principles were so highly regarded by other bourgeois states that they considered it the best superstructure for developing capitalism. Third, most bourgeois countries in the 19th century urgently needed to compile a unified civil code, and the code served as a ready-made model.