Deciphering a civil code

About this book

"The primary purpose of this book is to dispel some misunderstandings - or even erroneous views - on what a 'code' is and, more specifically, how one can work with a 'civil code.' The text explains that in a civil law system, codification is the product of the combination of three sources of law: legislation, jurisprudence or court cases, and doctrine or legal scholarship. It then analyzes the many different methods of reasoning and interpretation that can be used under a civil code and illustrates these methods as applied to code articles and to three decisions of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Thus, the book explains and justifies the 'long-lasting life' of civil codes, particularly the French Civil Code of 1804 (also referred to as the Code Napoléon) and the Louisiana Civil Code of 1825"--Unedited summary from book cover.