Why was the Napoleonic Code drawn up?

Answer 1

Before the French Revolution of 1789, France had had a number of different legal systems - 'written law' in the South, 'customary law' in much of the North. Moreoever, some regions had their own legal systems and sometimes it was possible to use 'written law' in the 'customary law' area. In short, it was often very difficult and expensive for people to obtain a definitive ruling, especially in civil cases. A national criminal code had become law in 1791, but civil law turned out to be more difficult to codify. In 1800 Napoleon set up a small commission tasked with compiling a single civil code for France. It did its work quickly, and in 1804 the Napoleonic Civil Code became law in France (and throughout the French Empire). Other codes, on matters such as procedure, and a revised criminal code, followed. See the link for more detail.

Answer 2

The ancient feudal system was different in various parts of the country and it needed to be made uniform within the country as a whole.

It needed to remove religion from the law of the land.

It needed to spell out merit as the basis for government employment.

It needed to be simplified and publicly published so that there were no secret laws.

It needed to spell out that there were no special rights based on birth.

Answer 3

That Code, with its stress on clearly written and accessible law, was a major step in replacing the previous patchwork of feudal laws. Historian Robert Holtman regards it as one of the few documents that have influenced the whole world. The code forbade privileges based on birth, allowed freedom of religion, and specified that government jobs go to the most qualified. It was drafted rapidly by a commission of four eminent jurists and entered into force on March 21, 1804.