STATE-LEGAL FOUNDATION OF MEDIEVAL SERBIA IN THE PROVISIONS OF DUŠAN’S CODE
STATE-LEGAL FOUNDATION OF MEDIEVAL SERBIA IN THE PROVISIONS OF DUŠAN’S CODE

Summary/Abstract: This paper represents a synthesis of knowledge acquired by the author through studying Dušan’s Code. It analyzes the provisions reflecting the state-forming ambitions of Emperor Dušan. Considering the fact that he was aware of the size and strength of his state, which was legally grounded, the Code had to meet the Emperor’s expectations. The critics of his authoritarian rule cannot deny that he had purposefully limited his own (legal) power. Thereby, the legislative technique being used was fully in the spirit of the time and space in which the Code was to be applied. Therefore, it is the author’s intention to point out the provisions of Dušan’s Code in which the original sources of Serbian statehood could be traced back. The issue of originality of Dušan’s Code will be discussed contextually regarding the content of certain regulations. This is hindered by the fact that Dušan’s Code was transcribed over twenty times, and the contents of those transcriptions were not fully identical. Therefore, the originality of the provisions in Dušan’s Code should also be evaluated in relation to its previous legal monuments.

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