Question

What system allowed the Romans to settle conflict by compromise?"

Let's look at the options:

A system of trial by jury: While Rome had a system of courts and some form of juries, a jury's primary role is to determine guilt or innocence based on evidence, not necessarily to facilitate direct compromise between disputing parties.
A system of written laws: Written laws (like the Twelve Tables) provided a framework for justice and legal procedures. They aimed for consistency and fairness but didn't inherently promote compromise as a primary method of conflict resolution.
A system of unwritten, but understood, laws: This refers more to customs and traditions rather than a structured system specifically designed for compromise. While customs can influence resolution, it's not a formal "system of compromise."
A system of laws of precedent: Roman law, particularly later on, did develop a concept of precedent (interpreting past rulings). However, this focuses on applying existing legal interpretations, not directly on facilitating compromise as a method of settling new conflicts.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The option that best reflects a system that allowed the Romans to settle conflict by compromise is **A system of unwritten, but understood, laws**. This system is often referred to as customary law or mores, where societal norms, traditions, and shared values played a significant role in resolving disputes. Disputing parties would often rely on community customs and mutual understanding to reach a compromise rather than strictly adhering to written laws or formal procedures.

While written laws and other systems contributed to the overall legal framework, it was the social customs and accepted behaviors that frequently enabled individuals to find mutually agreeable solutions in conflicts. In many cases, mediators or respected community members utilized these unwritten norms to guide the involved parties toward a compromise.