Roman Law and the Legal World of the Romans

Roman Law and the Legal World of the Romans

Some entirely new offenses were created, such as kidnapping and rustling. The limitation of criminal vis to acts “against the state” was largely dropped (so this, for instance, was the head ing under which rape would be prosecuted). And several of the delicts (e.g., theft, fraud, iniuria ) were eventually criminalized. Finally, the scope of maiestas law was radically transformed. While its original scope was probably never redefined in the ory, in practice it came quickly to focus on the person of the emperor. Depending on the political circumstances, almost any action that showed (or could be construed to show) disrespect for the emperor might bring about prosecution. (In this impe rial sense, the translation of “treason” makes more sense.)

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