Abstract

The essay is dedicated to Franca de Marini Avonzo and to her contribution as a professor of Roman law. De Marini was influenced by her Master, Riccardo Orestano, but her work shows a great deal of originality. She has to be fully recognized as one of the supporters of the historical anti-dogmatic method, which propounds the view that we need to focus primarily on the sources of ancient history and then we need to study how they are produced and used trough the ages. The history of Roman law is understood as a means through which one can learn the method of the historical study of the law, which is valid for all ages. The essay also focuses on the import of De Marini's books on her teaching and lecturing activities.