Joseph had begun having the Ministry of Justice draft this code more than a year earlier, and only completed all the reviews and revisions a month ago. This was, after all, the first code in the world to possess a truly modern legal system.
Before this, even France's Ministry of Justice could not make sense of how many laws existed across the country—laws in force in Paris differed entirely from those in other provinces, and many northern provinces even relied on customary rules of conduct as law.
After the Louis Code appeared, this phenomenon would be eliminated completely, with every part of the country compelled to use the same legal system. In truth, had Joseph not directly copied the legal systems of later generations as the main framework, the Ministry of Justice could never have compiled such a comprehensive code in just over a year.
Historically, the Napoleonic Code had taken a full three years from the beginning of drafting to its official completion.
Moreover, the Louis Code covered far more than the civil-law scope represented by the Napoleonic Code. It incorporated criminal and commercial law as well, making it more comprehensive and more scientific.
Joseph lightly patted the text of the code and looked at the crowd. "From this day forth, this shall be a clear and unified cornerstone of the nation."
Cambacérès, standing beside him, immediately read aloud:
"General provisions and preface.
"Uniformity of legal force; laws shall not apply retroactively; principles of territorial jurisdiction; rules for judicial rulings...
"I. Civil Code section.
"Law of civil rights; property law; law on the acquisition of property; colony regulations...
"II. Criminal Code section.
"Penalties for misdemeanors and felonies and their effects; punishments and liabilities for misdemeanors and felonies; definitions and penalties for all kinds of crimes; police offenses and their