At the invitation of the College, Professor Antonio Saccoccio from Sapienza University of Rome, who also serves as Deputy Director of the Centre for Latin American Legal Studies at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, delivered an academic lecture on the Roman Law, Codification, Decodification and the Unity of Law to the students both on Haidian campus and online on the evening of 23 October.

The event was moderated by Professor Zhai Yuanjian of the College. The panel of discussants included Professor Wang Yingying from the School of Civil and Commercial Law at Northwest University of Political Science and Law, Associate Professor Li Fei from Huaqiao University School of Law, Associate Professor Song Xiaoqing from the School of Law at Hunan University and Assistant Professor Tang Botao from the Kenneth Wang School of Law at Soochow University.

Professor Saccoccio opened his lecture by posing the question: Why study Roman law today? He explored the enduring value of Roman law throughout history and its subsequent influence on the legal systems of various countries. He examined how Roman legal principles have been absorbed, adapted, and reinvigorated in different legal traditions, particularly in the context of codification and decodification.

During the discussion session, Zhai summarised and extended Prof. Saccoccio’s arguments, offering reflections in light of China’s Civil Code. Wang highlighted the flexibility and openness of Roman law during its legislative evolution. Drawing on personal academic and professional experience, Song explored how Roman law remains relevant amid globalisation and the rise of artificial intelligence. Li focused on the relationship between Roman law and China’s Civil Code, emphasising the importance of keeping pace with emerging legal trends. Tang discussed the foundational role of Roman law in shaping the legal science of countries such as Italy, while also deconstructing its universalist spirit.

In closing, Zhai expressed heartfelt thanks to Prof. Saccoccio, the panel of commentators and all attendees. He expressed hope for further academic exchanges between Saccoccio and CUPL in the future. The lecture concluded in a warm and collegial atmosphere, marking another successful event in the ‘Sino-Italian Legal Forum’ series.