The Byzantine Laws refer to the legal system of the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 4th to the 15th century. These laws were heavily influenced by Roman law and were codified in the Corpus Juris Civilis, compiled under the Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. This compilation aimed to simplify and organize existing laws, making them more accessible and systematic. Byzantine laws covered various aspects of life, including property rights, family law, and criminal justice. They emphasized the authority of the emperor and the church, reflecting the intertwining of governance and religion in the empire. The legal system also included provisions for social justice, aiming to protect the vulnerable in society.