For the following question, refer to the text below, from the Twelve Tables, Table 1:
6-9. When the litigants settle their case by compromise, let the magistrate announce it. If they do not compromise, let them state each his own side of the case, in the comitium of the forum before noon. Afterwards let them talk it out together, while both are present. After noon, in case either party has failed to appear, let the magistrate pronounce judgment in favor of the one who is present. If both are present the trial may last until sunset but no later.
How did this law lead to the development of democratic principles?
A. Citizens began to favor compromise over executive orders.
B. Punishment could be equally determined by judges or citizens.
C. Fast resolution of legal matters gave citizens more power.
D. Property rights of neighbors became written laws.
The law mentioned in the text from the Twelve Tables, Table 1, is about the resolution of legal disputes. According to the law, if the litigants settle their case by compromise, the magistrate will announce it. However, if they do not compromise, they each present their own side of the case in the comitium of the forum before noon. They then have the opportunity to talk it out together while both parties are present. After noon, if either party fails to appear, the magistrate will pronounce judgment in favor of the one who is present. If both parties are present, the trial may continue until sunset.
Based on this information, we can see that the law emphasized the importance of resolving legal disputes through dialogue and discussion. This allowed citizens to have a say in the outcome of their cases and be actively involved in the decision-making process. It also ensured a relatively fast resolution of legal matters, as the trial had to be concluded by sunset.
From a democratic perspective, this law led to the development of democratic principles because it promoted the idea of citizen participation in the legal system. Citizens were given the opportunity to present their case and engage in discussions, potentially reaching a compromise. This decentralized the power and allowed individuals to have a voice in the resolution of their disputes, rather than relying solely on executive orders or judgment handed down by a magistrate.
Therefore, the answer to the question is C. Fast resolution of legal matters gave citizens more power.