Poljica Statute
Encyclopedia
Poljica Statute is the most important source for Republic of Poljica
. Statute determined law of Poljica which is, by its form, style, content and establishment of social-economic relations totally different from the rest of Croatian statutes.
It is written in short, picturesque sentences in which are included norms of Poljica's society from highest political authorities to norms which include interests of all Poljicians. Besides the laws which are written in this statute, Poljica Statute also contents and various decisions and verdicts of authority which are, in few occasions, referred on individuals. From that we can see that Poljica Statute was changed together as was changed society of Poljica. Other important value of Poljica Statute is its archaic form from which it's possible to study people from Poljica at the time and people of Croatia in general. Typical features of Poljica Statute are guarantee of freedom, but at the same time acceptance of responsibility in purpose of protection of Poljica
.
and Republic of Venice
. For that time, Poljica Statute shows a great level of law professionalism and consciousness of society. Earliest script from Poljica Statute from XVI Century is written in Croatian Cyrillic. Statute was written in Croatian language
mostly in Štokavian dialect with some parts of Chakavian
.
Poljice Statute had more redactions. All redactions occurred at turning times when Republic of Poljica
needed to recognize new ruler. In time of Dukes Šubić-Birbirski Poljicians had no need for Statute because they had common interests and goals. First redaction occurred in 1322 when 18 articles were written and referred to Charles I of Hungary
, but he did not accepted the Statute. This was also confirmed by charter of Queen Elisabeth in 1333 in which she mentioned Poljica Statute.
Second redaction from 1387 was approved by King Tvrtko I of Bosnia
. Various variants were later made from this redaction. In 1444 third redaction was made for new ruler, Republic of Venice
. In 1485 fourth redaction was made. This redaction had many changes and additions, and it was created in time of personal union between Hungary and Croatia. From all those redactions it is visible that new laws were created and same were repeated and scattered on various places.
Law of Poljica was based on collective laws of Croata and was influenced by Church, Feudal, Roman
and Capitalist law. In Poljica Statute visible difference was made between public and individual rights. Public rights were manifested in relations of serfs and their masters and impossibility for citizens to be elected for Table of Poljica (Government). Even those laws were made, they had no greater influence on citizens because citizens had their village autonomy inside of their districts, so they had through their village Princes, influence on election of new Princes and there were almost no serfs. Laws for serfs were very strict, for same violations commoners were more severely punished then nobles. For example if a tenant cursed his landlord his tongue was cut out, and if he dared to rise a hand against him, his right arm would be chopped off.
Republic of Poljica
The Poljica Republic or duchy was an autonomous community which existed in the late Middle Ages and the early modern period in central Dalmatia, near modern-day Omiš, Croatia....
. Statute determined law of Poljica which is, by its form, style, content and establishment of social-economic relations totally different from the rest of Croatian statutes.
It is written in short, picturesque sentences in which are included norms of Poljica's society from highest political authorities to norms which include interests of all Poljicians. Besides the laws which are written in this statute, Poljica Statute also contents and various decisions and verdicts of authority which are, in few occasions, referred on individuals. From that we can see that Poljica Statute was changed together as was changed society of Poljica. Other important value of Poljica Statute is its archaic form from which it's possible to study people from Poljica at the time and people of Croatia in general. Typical features of Poljica Statute are guarantee of freedom, but at the same time acceptance of responsibility in purpose of protection of Poljica
Poljica
Poljica may refer to:* Poljica , a region of inland Dalmatia, Croatia** Republic of Poljica, an autonomous community which existed in the area between the 13th and early 19th century...
.
History and basic features
Poljica Statute is a document of priceless value. From its matter, except of law, it is possible to study historical, economical, political and other social relations from that time. Poljica Statue was result of wish of people of Poljice for stronger independence from Kingdom of CroatiaKingdom of Croatia
Kingdom of Croatia can refer to:* Kingdom of Croatia * Kingdom of Croatia * Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia...
and Republic of Venice
Republic of Venice
The Republic of Venice or Venetian Republic was a state originating from the city of Venice in Northeastern Italy. It existed for over a millennium, from the late 7th century until 1797. It was formally known as the Most Serene Republic of Venice and is often referred to as La Serenissima, in...
. For that time, Poljica Statute shows a great level of law professionalism and consciousness of society. Earliest script from Poljica Statute from XVI Century is written in Croatian Cyrillic. Statute was written in Croatian language
Croatian language
Croatian is the collective name for the standard language and dialects spoken by Croats, principally in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Serbian province of Vojvodina and other neighbouring countries...
mostly in Štokavian dialect with some parts of Chakavian
Chakavian dialect
Chakavian or Čakavian is a dialect of the Croatian language. The name stems from the word for "what?", which is "ča" in Čakavian...
.
Poljice Statute had more redactions. All redactions occurred at turning times when Republic of Poljica
Republic of Poljica
The Poljica Republic or duchy was an autonomous community which existed in the late Middle Ages and the early modern period in central Dalmatia, near modern-day Omiš, Croatia....
needed to recognize new ruler. In time of Dukes Šubić-Birbirski Poljicians had no need for Statute because they had common interests and goals. First redaction occurred in 1322 when 18 articles were written and referred to Charles I of Hungary
Charles I of Hungary
Charles I , also known as Charles Robert , was the first King of Hungary and Croatia of the House of Anjou. He was also descended from the old Hungarian Árpád dynasty. His claim to the throne of Hungary was contested by several pretenders...
, but he did not accepted the Statute. This was also confirmed by charter of Queen Elisabeth in 1333 in which she mentioned Poljica Statute.
Second redaction from 1387 was approved by King Tvrtko I of Bosnia
Tvrtko I of Bosnia
Stjepan Tvrtko I was a ruler of medieval Bosnia. He ruled in 1353–1366 and again in 1367–1377 as Ban and in 1377–1391 as the first Bosnian King....
. Various variants were later made from this redaction. In 1444 third redaction was made for new ruler, Republic of Venice
Republic of Venice
The Republic of Venice or Venetian Republic was a state originating from the city of Venice in Northeastern Italy. It existed for over a millennium, from the late 7th century until 1797. It was formally known as the Most Serene Republic of Venice and is often referred to as La Serenissima, in...
. In 1485 fourth redaction was made. This redaction had many changes and additions, and it was created in time of personal union between Hungary and Croatia. From all those redactions it is visible that new laws were created and same were repeated and scattered on various places.
Law of Poljica was based on collective laws of Croata and was influenced by Church, Feudal, Roman
Roman law
Roman law is the legal system of ancient Rome, and the legal developments which occurred before the 7th century AD — when the Roman–Byzantine state adopted Greek as the language of government. The development of Roman law comprises more than a thousand years of jurisprudence — from the Twelve...
and Capitalist law. In Poljica Statute visible difference was made between public and individual rights. Public rights were manifested in relations of serfs and their masters and impossibility for citizens to be elected for Table of Poljica (Government). Even those laws were made, they had no greater influence on citizens because citizens had their village autonomy inside of their districts, so they had through their village Princes, influence on election of new Princes and there were almost no serfs. Laws for serfs were very strict, for same violations commoners were more severely punished then nobles. For example if a tenant cursed his landlord his tongue was cut out, and if he dared to rise a hand against him, his right arm would be chopped off.