This ancient formalism, linked to magical thinking, was characteristic for the early period of Roman law. The
subjective method of interpretation, supported by Christian doctrine, held sway in the 6th century with Justinian's
codification. Until the late 19th century subjective interpretation dominated legal literature on the Continent.
Whether it was equally dominant in practice is less certain. Nevertheless on the Continent, the doctrinal starting
point of the interpretation is, in general, the common intention of the contracting parties.