The code which embodies the civil law of France. Framed in the first instance by a commission of jurists appointed in 1800. This code, after having passed both the tribunate and the legislative body, was promulgated in 1804 as the “Code Civil des Frangais.” When Napoleon became emperor, the name was changed to that of “Code Napoleon,” by which it is still often designated, though it is now officially styled by its original name of “Code Civil.”
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
