Historical significance and European Value of Shkodra Statutes

Opis

The purpose of the research paper is to delve into the historical and legal significance of the Statutes of Shkodra, a set of legal codes that governed the city of Shkodra during its Venetian period until its eventual occupation by the Ottoman Empire in 1479. The scientific novelty. The article provides a novel perspective on The Statutes of Shkodra by emphasising their unique contribution to European legal traditions and their role in shaping the foundation of positive law in Albania, particularly through the principle of personal freedom. Conclusions. The Statutes of Shkodra hold exceptional value for understanding the civil and social dynamics of Shkodra during the Middle Ages. These statutes, primarily modelled on the legal and social structures of the Italian-Dalmatian cities along the Adriatic coast, were also influenced by the Slavic-Byzantine world. This fusion of influences shaped a unique set of laws and civic regulations that reflected both regional characteristics and broader European medieval traditions. Drafted on Albanian soil, the Statutes of Shkodra maintain a distinctly local character, preserving the authenticity of the Albanian documentary tradition while incorporating external legal and administrative norms. The statutes demonstrate how Shkodra’s urban governance was structured in alignment with the legal frameworks of Western Europe, particularly concerning commerce, social relations, and public administration. Through these statutes, we gain ac