Replies made by rabbinic scholars in answer to submitted questions about Jewish law. These replies began to be written in the 6th century after the final redaction of the Talmud, and they continue to be formulated.

(Latin plural of responsum, answer, reply, opinion) the usual English designation for the rabbinic expression she'elot u-teshuvot (questions and answers), the term responsa refers to the halachic correspondence of rabbinic authorities, especially the written rulings of Geonim in response to halachic queries written by Jews living outside Babylonia.

(Latin) a significant development in the Roman justice system introduced by Augustus and his successors; a responsa was an opinion on a legal case heard in court by eminent jurists; jurists earned fame based on their responsa; famous jurists include Papinian, Julius Paulus, and Ulpian, all of whom held the position of praefectus praetoria, minister of justice of the Roman Empire.