Lucius Atilius (jurist)

Lucius Atilius was a Roman jurist, likely active during the 2nd century BCE. He is primarily known for his expertise in legal interpretation and his contributions to the development of Roman law, particularly in the area of ius civile.

His exact contributions are somewhat obscured by the limited surviving records, but he is frequently mentioned in conjunction with other early jurists such as Sextus Aelius Paetus Catus and Publius Mucius Scaevola. These figures were influential in systematizing and commenting on the Twelve Tables, the foundational legal code of Rome.

Atilius, along with Aelius and Scaevola, is often credited with developing the art of legal responsa, which involved providing authoritative legal opinions on specific cases or points of law. These opinions, though not formally binding, carried significant weight due to the jurists' expertise and reputation. Through their responsa, they helped to shape the practical application and interpretation of Roman law.

While no complete works directly attributable to Lucius Atilius survive, fragments and quotations in later legal writings, particularly in the works of jurists like Pomponius, attest to his influence on the development of Roman legal thought. His contributions cemented his position as one of the formative figures in the early history of Roman jurisprudence.