There is no Roman law which inspired current human rights law. Ancient civilisations did not have a concept of human rights. The origins of this concept are traced to Renaissance Europe. Its predecessor was the concept of natural rights, derived from natural law theories of Enlightenment philosophy (17th and 18th century Europe). The Romans also had a natural law theory, but it was not connected to human rights. It posited the principles of law derived from the human mind and because of this Roman law could be applied to foreigners in their dealings with Roman citizens.
The concept of human rights begun to become established mainly through three 18th century documents:
The US Bill of Rights (approved by the House of Representatives in 1789) which listed freedoms not explicitly indicated in the main body of the US Constitution: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, a free press, and free assembly; the right to keep and bear arms; freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, security in personal effects, and freedom from warrants issued without probable cause. This document was influenced by George Mason's 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights, the English Bill of Rights 1689, and European Enlightenment philosophers.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizens of 1789. It was issued during the French Revolution. This was inspired by the philosophers of the Enlightenment philosophy, especially Rousseau and Montesquieu and Enlightenment principles of natural rights. Its first two articles stated: 1) Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions may be founded only upon the general good; 2) the aim of all political association is the preservation of the natural and inalienable rights of man. These rights are liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of 1793; also issued during the French Revolution. Its second article made quality the first natural right of man (followed by liberty, security, and property). It also made the protections of the citizens against their own government a human right.
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