Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A book written on paper or parchment, especially a volume of an ancient text.
Sources & Authorities· 2 sources
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Restatements
Dictionaries
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Broadcast Defamation of Codex Owner
Catherine Carter owns an ancient codex on loan to a museum. During a live television press conference, the mayor falsely accuses her of stealing the codex to sell it abroad. Networks broadcast and replay the statement repeatedly. The broadcast qualifies as libel because it was transmitted by television.
Term Limits Challenge Involving Codex
Charles Cunningham discovers a codex containing early state legislative records. He argues that term limits for state legislators violate the Qualifications Clauses because the codex shows the framers intended no additional restrictions. The Court rejects the claim, holding that states cannot add qualifications beyond those in the Constitution.
United States Term Limits v. Thornton514 U.S. 779, 838 (1995)
Fair Use Copying of Codex
Craig Caldwell owns a rare codex of historical texts. A company sells devices that allow users to copy pages from the codex for personal study. The copyright holders sue, claiming the devices facilitate infringement. The Court holds that private, noncommercial copying of the codex constitutes fair use.
Sony Corp. of America v. Universal City Studios, Inc.464 U.S. 417, 435 & n.17 (1984)
Tax Privilege for Codex Documents
Carlos Castillo keeps financial records related to his codex collection in an accountant's office. The IRS issues a summons for those records. The Court holds that the Fifth Amendment does not protect the records because they are not in the taxpayer's personal possession.
Couch v. United States409 U.S. 322 (1973)
Negligence Claim Over Codex Damage
Caitlin Crowley checks a valuable package at a train station. A railroad employee drops the package, injuring a bystander. The Court holds that the railroad owes no duty to an unforeseeable plaintiff who was not within the zone of danger created by the negligent act.
Palsgraf v. Long Island R.R. Co.248 N.Y. 339, 162 N.E. 99
Search and Seizure of Codex
Curtis Cannon hides a stolen codex in his home. Police enter to search for a suspect and seize the codex in plain view. The Court holds that the seizure is valid because the officers were lawfully on the premises and the codex was evidence of crime.
Warden, Maryland Penitentiary v. Hayden387 U.S. 294 (1967)
Common questions
Frequently Asked
2
What is the primary legal meaning of codex?+
A codex is a book written on paper or parchment, especially a volume of an ancient text. This definition comes directly from historical legal lexicography.
Supporting sources
How does the codex definition differ from a modern book?+
The term emphasizes ancient or historical volumes written on parchment rather than contemporary printed books. It carries an archaic connotation tied to early manuscript traditions.
Supporting sources
514 U.S. 779, 838 (1995)Legislation and Regulation
…Commerce Clause powers are not exclusive). See also 1 Life and Letters of Joseph Story 296 (W. Story ed. 1851) (extract of manuscript written by Story) ("I hold it to be a maxim, which should never be lost sight of by a great statesman, that the Government of the United States is intrinsically too weak, and the powers of…