The Roman Empire introduced the concept of codified law to the legal system, which included the development of legal principles that were written down and publicly accessible. Roman law emphasized the importance of written statutes, legal precedents, and a complex system of rights and duties. The Twelve Tables, created in the mid-5th century BCE, were one of the earliest codifications of Roman law, ensuring that laws were applied consistently and fairly. This foundation influenced modern legal systems by establishing the idea that laws apply equally to all citizens, a principle that remains central to justice today.