Leveled Readings / The Twelve Tables 451/450 BCE selections
The Twelve Tables 451/450 BCE selections
The Twelve Tables, Table I (Rome, c. 450 BCE)
These are adaptations, not the original. The original wording is always shown first. Each adapted version restates the same passage at about a grade 4, grade 7, or grade 10 reading level without adding or removing ideas. Quote the original in student writing.
Original wording
“If they do not compromise, let them state each his own side of the case, in the comitium of the forum before noon.”
Adapted · about grade 4
If two people cannot agree, each tells their side in the public square before noon.
Adapted · about grade 7
If they do not settle, each side shall state its case in the public assembly place before noon.
Adapted · about grade 10
If they do not compromise, let each state his side of the case in the comitium of the forum before noon.
Used in: What makes a law code fair?