Abstract: Deals with the classical influences that may be found in the Lectures on Jurisprudence, two sets of notes taken by Adam Smith's students. Smith's lectures are studied in the mainstream of modern jurisprudential thought, with references to natural law theories, and to the evolutionary approach led by Montesquieu and followed by important Scottish thinkers. This chapter stresses the relevance of Roman law and jurisprudence for Adam Smith's lectures, and the influence that the Roman legal system had on his general ideas about jurisprudence.

Keywords: contract, government, jurisprudence, Montesquieu, natural law, politics, property, republic, Roman law, Scotland,