1. The “edicts,” “constitutions,” and “epistles of the prince,” that is, of the emperor, because the whole power of the people was in him. Like these are the proclamations of the kings of England.

2. “The decrees of the whole people of Rome,” comprehending the senate, when they were put to the question by the “senate.” These were laws at first by the virtue of the sovereign power residing in the people; and such of them as by the emperors were not abrogated, remained laws by the authority imperial. For all laws that bind are understood to be laws by his authority that has power to repeal them. Somewhat like to these laws are the acts of parliament in England.

3. “The decrees of the common people,” excluding the senate, when they were put to the question by the “tribune” of the people. For such of them as were not abrogated by the emperors remained laws by the authority imperial. Like to these were the orders of the House of Commons in England.