ABSTRACT
A survey of the sources and some of the modern, animating scholarly conceptions used for interpreting the legal systems of the continental successor kingdoms down to about 750. Major approaches to the field and their accompanying conceptual frameworks (including the notions of “Roman” and “Germanic”) are considered. The various categories of sources are discussed, showing the diversity of source types available for study. As a regional example of that diversity particular attention is paid to conditions prevailing in the Gallic kingdom of the Merovingian kings and the continuing role there of legal institutions derived from the late Roman Empire. Finally, a list of modern editions of the sources is provided, along with translations where these are available.
