AP Latin Flashcards: Short commentary with Latin citations
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the meaning of the Latin phrase "Lex iniusta non est lex"?
It translates to "An unjust law is no law at all," asserting that laws lacking moral legitimacy or justice do not hold true legal validity.
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What is the meaning of the Latin phrase "Lex iniusta non est lex"?
It translates to "An unjust law is no law at all," asserting that laws lacking moral legitimacy or justice do not hold true legal validity.
Which prominent early Christian philosopher is often associated with the concept "Lex iniusta non est lex"?
St. Augustine is frequently linked to the idea that an unjust law does not possess the force or validity of a true law, influencing later natural law theories.
According to Thomas Aquinas, what are the three main categories in the hierarchy of laws?
Aquinas categorized laws into Lex Aeterna (eternal law), Lex Naturalis (natural law), and Lex Humana (human law), forming a hierarchical structure of divine and human governance.
How does Thomas Aquinas relate Lex Naturalis (natural law) to Lex Humana (human law)?
Aquinas posited that Lex Humana must be derived from and conform to Lex Naturalis to be considered just and valid, otherwise it lacks true legal authority.
What is the meaning of the Latin maxim "Quod omnes tangit, ab omnibus approbetur"?
It translates to "What touches all, must be approved by all," emphasizing the principle of consent and collective approval for laws or decisions affecting everyone.
From which ancient legal system does the principle "Quod omnes tangit, ab omnibus approbetur" originate?
This principle, asserting that matters affecting all should be approved by all, stems from Roman law, reflecting early ideas of collective decision-making.
What does the Latin phrase "Dura lex, sed lex" signify?
It means "The law is harsh, but it is the law," highlighting the importance of strictly adhering to enacted laws, even when they are difficult or seemingly unjust.
What is the fundamental tension between "Lex iniusta non est lex" and "Dura lex, sed lex"?
"Lex iniusta non est lex" questions the validity of unjust laws, while "Dura lex, sed lex" emphasizes strict adherence to existing law, representing a core conflict between natural law and legal positivism.
Why is Justinian's Code (Corpus Juris Civilis) significant for understanding Roman law?
Justinian's Code is a foundational compilation of Roman law that systematized existing legal principles, serving as a crucial source for later legal traditions and scholarship across Europe.
What was the general contribution of figures like Cicero and Ulpian to Roman legal philosophy?
Cicero and Ulpian were influential Roman jurists and philosophers who significantly contributed to the theoretical underpinnings and practical application of Roman law, shaping its ethical and philosophical dimensions.