Code civil

The code which embodies the civil law of France. Framed in the first instance by a commission of jurists appointed in 1800. This code, after having passed both the tribunate and the legislative body, was promulgated in 1804 as the "Code Civil des Frangais." When Napoleon became emperor, the name was changed to that of "Code Napoleon," by which it is still often designated, though it is now officially styled by its original name of "Code Civil."

Defined under Code in Black's Law Dictionary.

A code of law prepared under the direction of Napoleon, and promulgated in 1804, as the civil law of France, [Code Civil des Eranpais.) Under the Empire its name was changed to that of Code Napoleon, by which it is still often designated, thouffh it has now officially resumed its original title of code civil. In its general arrangement and distribution, it resembles the Institutes of Justinian. It consists of three books, divided into titles or heads, each of which is subdivided into chapters and sections. P. Cyclopcedia,