Word History
Etymology
Latin, law of nations
First Known Use
circa 1549, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near jus gentium
Cite this Entry
“Jus gentium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jus%20gentium. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Legal Definition
jus gentium
noun
jus gen·ti·um
-ˈjen-shē-əm, -chəm 
: a body of law recognized by nations that is binding and governs their relations with each other : international law
called also law of nations
Note: In Roman law jus gentium referred to the rules and laws that were common to the various nations or peoples under the Roman empire and were used in cases between non-Roman citizens or between a Roman and a non-Roman citizen.
Etymology
Latin, literally, law of nations
More from Merriam-Webster on jus gentium
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jus gentium
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