Constitution of the Republic

[Lucius Malfoy]

Constitution of the Republic

Magistrates

Censor - The Censor was an officer in ancient Rome who was responsible for maintaining the census, supervising public morality, and overseeing certain aspects of the government's finances. The Censor shall aid the Quaestors as necessary, shall have oversight of disciplinary matters in the Senate. They shall have the power of doling out the honorary title of Princeps Senatus once every year. They shall also be able to fine Senators who have transgressed against the social rules of Rome. Censors keep discussion on topic and focused within the Curia and have the power to issue a formal warning, or a Nota Censura. The Censor may administer the Census every year and determine whether or not an individual has met the requirements to stay in his respective class. If expelled for financial reasons (the total value of the estate falling below 5,000 denarii) the Senator need only prove that his estate is worth the specified amount to be allowed back. If the Senator is expelled for gross behavioral misconduct he may only be re-enrolled by the Censor. The Censor may suspend Senators from the Curia for a short amount of time as well.1 Censor will be appointed for a period of two years. Censors must come from the Patrician class and must be ex-consuls. Candidates must have at least forty years to run for this office. Examples of frowned upon behavior (courtesy of NovaRoma) Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  (a) Living in celibacy at a time when a person ought to be married to provide the state with citizens (Val. Max. II.9 §1). The obligation of marrying was frequently impressed upon the citizens by the censors, and the refusal to fulfil it was punished with a fine [Aes Uxorium]. (b) The dissolution of matrimony or betrothment in an improper way, or for insufficient reasons (Val. Max. II.9 §2). (c) Improper conduct towards one's wife or children, as well as harshness or too great indulgence towards children, and disobedience of the latter towards their parents (Plut. Cat. Maj. 17; cf. Cic. de Rep. IV.6; Dionys. XX.3). (d) Inordinate and luxurious mode of living, or an extravagant expenditure of money. A great many instances of this kind are recorded (Liv. Epit. 14, XXXIX.4; Plut. Cat. Maj. 18; Gellius, IV.8; Val. Max. II.9 §4). At a later time the leges sumtuariae were made to check the growing love of luxuries. (e) Neglect and carelessness in cultivating one's fields (Gell. IV.12; Plin. H. N. XVIII.3). (f) Cruelty towards slaves or clients (Dionys. XX.3). (g) The carrying on of a disreputable trade or occupation (Dionys., l.c.), such as acting in theatres (Liv. VII.2). (h) Legacy-hunting, defrauding orphans, &c. Dictator - An Emergency Magistrate. Anyone may be elected Dictator by a 3/5 majority vote of the Senate. Dictators have supreme power and virtually unlimited remit in terms of unilateral law creation, control of the military, and distribution of power in Rome. This includes financial oversights. Dictators may either be elected for either 6 months or 1 year. Dictators shall have supreme authority over all aspects of the government, military, the provinces and lands under the administration of the Senate. Dictators carry 12 fasces, however they can keep the axes in the rods while in the city. Dictators sit on a single curule chair in the senate and at public games. Dictators name the Master of the Horse. Dictators are immune from any prosecution for actions taken during their time in office. Master of the Horse - A unique office that only exists under a Dictatorship. The Master of the Horse is named by the Dictator as second in command and is primarily used as the cavalry commander when they are in the field. The office ends when the dictatorship ends. Any one may be selected to hold this position. Consul - Two Consuls are elected yearly from both the Patrician and Plebeian class. Consuls have the power to veto one another in the capacity of forbidding death sentences and military actions on the field. Consuls may lead armies into battle, propose laws, and appoint consular staff. Consuls are the sole regal office of the Republic, as denoted by their lictors who carry their fasces of office. The majesty of the Consuls' position allows them a greater degree of control over the affairs of the Republic than any other magistrate, save dictator. Consuls may be deposed a 3/5 vote of the senate in cases where the Consul has violated the laws of the Republic. Consuls shall hold office for one year. Consuls carry 12 fasces each, sit on one of two Curule chairs in the senatehouse and at public events, and wear a toga with a broad purple stripe. Consuls have absolute oversight over matters of judicial, administrative, and legislative authority in concurrence with the senate. Consuls are also the supreme de facto military commanders in the Republic. Men must have at least thirty years to qualify for this office. Consul Suffectus may be selected by the Senate if a consul dies in the field during the year. Senior Consuls will have precedence for military command, while Junior Consuls will be tasked with maintaining order and peace within the city in the event of the Senior Consul's absence. Double Consular armies may exist by special decree of the Senate. In the event that both Consuls are absent in the city, ranking Patrician magistracies or appointed Consular officials will assume the responsibilities of the Consuls to maintain order in the city. Clarification on he consular veto: Consuls may NOT veto decrees of the Senate as tribunes may or forbid discussion on any given topics. Praetor - Praetors preside over the courts of the Republic. Praetors must be at least 27 years of age. No more than two shall be elected yearly. They shall serve as judges in all cases brought against any citizen. Praetors have the power to lead armies in battle at the discretion of the senate. Praetors shall determine all sentences for guilty criminals. As a high officer of the Republic, a Praetor, like a Consul, also has lictors. However, these lictors carry half the number of fasces as the Consul, identifying their importance but inferiority to a Consul. Praetors carry 6 fasces each. Quaestor - Quaestors shall serve as treasurers of the Republic, there can be two Quaestors elected for any given term. They shall advise the senate over the state of the Public Treasury. The Quaestors are responsible for overseeing the day to day spending of the Republic. They may also investigate the finances of the Senatorial class for any reason. Each of the two Quaestors will have unique responsibilities. Quaestors wear the toga praetexta, a bleached white toga with a thin purple line. One Quaestor will be responsible for all civic spending including the paying of magisterial incomes, releasing funds for building projects, and investigating the finances of all members of the Senatorial class in concert with the Censor. The other Quaestor will oversee all military spending including replenishment of the legions, the raising of new troops, and ensuring all legions have been received annual pay. Quaestors who fail in their duties may be prosecuted. Quaestors must be at least 21 years of age. Curule Aedile/Plebeian Aedile - Two Aediles are elected yearly. They are responsible for maintenance and renovation of buildings in the city. Aediles care of the streets, the water supply, the grain supply, and sewage. It shall be the duty of the Aedile to ensure the grain supply in Rome is at a safe level. Aediles must be at least 21 years of age. Tribune - Tribunes are considered sacrosanct, any individual that disregards the inviolable nature of the tribunician powers shall be tried for crimes against the Republic, and may be executed without impunity. Patricians may not run for this office, which is a magistratus plebii. Tribunes shall have the following three powers: Intercessio/Veto: Tribunes may intercede on behalf of any Roman against the arbitrary decisions of other magistrates. This includes any sentence handed down by a magistrate. Adjuvo: A tribune is expected to represent the will of the plebeians and work to promote their well being. Senators, elected or otherwise may propose any motion they wish to bring before the Senate. When seconded, a motion may be brought to vote. All discussion for bills must last at least 12 hours, no matter what. Voting will also last a minimum of 12 hours, no matter what.. If the motion passes the its contents are enacted. All Magistrates are elected by a simple majority vote. Any magistrate may be impeached by a 3/5 vote of the senate. All magistrates may issue edicts or decrees relevant to their jobs, but may be overruled by the senate or consuls.

Leges Republicae

Laws of the Republic I. No Citizen shall take up arms against the Republic II. No Citizen shall take another citizen's life III. No General may lead an army within the sacred boundaries of Rome IV. All foreign treaties must be ratified by the Senate V. No weapons shall be permitted within the Sacred Pomerium VI. The Plebeians are permitted to pass laws within the Comitia Tributa. These laws must be ratified by the Senate. Lex Valeria-Porcia (509BC) Exempts Roman citizens from degrading and shameful forms of punishment, such as scourging with rods or whips, and especially crucifixion. Establishes certain rights for Roman citizens such as the right of appeal to the Plebeian Tribunes, called Provocatio. It is legal to kill any citizen who was plotting to seize a tyranny. Lex Scantinia Rape shall be illegal. Any man found to be taking the passive role in sexual intercourse with men of a lower status shall be considered depraved. Engaging in struprum of a minor shall be punishable by death. Lex Canuleia (445 BC) Patricians and Plebeians are allowed to marry each other. The offspring of this marriage shall have the social status of the father. Lex Aternia et Tarpeia de Multis (454 BC) All magistrates may fine citizens who resist their authority. Lex Valeria et Horatia de Plebiscitum (448 BC) All laws passed in the Comitia Tributa (tribal assembly) are binding on all people subject to approval in either the Senate or the Comitia Curiata (patrician assembly). Lex Valerii Publicando (343 BC) Each temple of Rome shall be allotted a yearly sum of 50 denarii for the paying of its custodians Any custodian found to be lacking in his duties shall be fined be the Aedile Table I Table I If a Roman summons another man to appear before a tribunal, that man shall appear. If he does not, the summoner has to summon him again, this time with a witness and bring him with force if necessary. If the summoned man shirks or runs, let the plaintiff capture him. If the physical condition of the accused prevents him to appear before the tribunal, the plaintiff must furnish him with an animal as means of transport. The summoned can be represented by a defender or sponsor. Only a landowner is allowed to represent another landowner. If the litigants settle their dispute on the way to the magistrate, the judge will accept this compromise as just and confirm this agreement In case they do not reach an agreement, the judge will have them both explain their view on the matter at hand. This must be done in the Comitium or the Forum before noon. After noon if one party fails to be present, the magistrate will pronounce the verdict in favor of the man present. If both men are present the judge must render his decision before sunset. Table II Table II Parties shall appear in person unless prevented by a serious disease or vows have to be discharged or the absence is caused by business for the state. In case of the absence of one of the parties as described in law 1, the hearing shall be postponed. If a witness, necessary for evidence in the matter, doesn't show up, let him be called in front of his house on three consecutive market days. If anyone is caught while stealing during the night and is killed in this action, this killing is with impunity. If anyone is caught while stealing during the day, he will be scourged and given as a slave to the person he was stealing from. A slave who is caught stealing will be beaten with rods and hurled from the Tarpeian rock. If a thief surprised in daylight, defends himself with a weapon of any kind and gets killed in being apprehended, is killed legally. If stolen goods are found while searching a house, this is treated as manifest theft and punished in the same manner. Anyone accused of theft that is not manifest and the stolen object are not found, has to repay double the value of the stolen goods. For each illegal cutdown trees that belong to someone else the culprit shall pay 20 asses. If anyone makes a compromise with a thief over stolen goods, he cannot prosecute the thief afterwards. Stolen goods will always be the property of the one whom it belonged to, no matter for how long the goods were not in his possession. The goods can never be acquired by someone else , no matter how. Table III Table III If someone pinches property, that is in his possession for safekeeping, but belongs to someone else, shall be condemned to pay double the value of these goods. If anyone collects an interest higher than legally allowed shall pay the quadruple amount. Acquiring goods by means of usucaption, is not possible for aliens. Romans always have the right to reclaim their possession from aliens. A judge will grant a debtor thirty days to pay the debt to his creditor. If a debtor fails to pay his debt within these thirty days, the creditor can seize him and bring him back to the tribunal. If a defendant fails to pay his debts within thirty days after he was condemned by a tribunal to do so, the plaintiff can bind or chain him, providing the chains are not heavier than fifteen pounds. A debtor in custody of the creditor is allowed to support himself with food, is he is able to do so by his own means. If he cannot the creditor shall give him at least one pound of grain each day. If a party kept in custody does not come to terms with his creditor shell be held in chains for 60 days, and brought before the judge for three consecutive market days. After the debtor has been held in chains for 60 days, he shall be reduced to slavery by his creditor or if the creditor prefers be sold beyond the Tiber. If a debtor is convicted for debts to more persons and after he has been exposed on the Forum for three market days, they may, if they desire to do so, divide their debtor into different parts. Table IV Table IV A father has the right over life and death of his children born in a legal marriage. If a father sells his son three times, the latter shall be no longer in his manus. Recently born children, dreadfully deformed, shall be put to death immediately by the father. Children born with ten months after the death of the legal husband of the mother shall be born in a legal marriage and his legal heir. Table V Table V The will of the head of a household has the power of a law. If a free man dies intestate and without an heir, his nearest agnate will be his heir. If there is none the next of kin. If a freed man dies intestate without heirs, his patron or his children will be heirs. In case of debts heirs can only sue or be sued in proportion of their share of the inheritance. The judge shall appoint three arbiters when an estate has to be divided between heirs. When an heir has not reached the age of puberty at the time the head of the family dies intestate, his nearest agnate shall be his guardian. Females shall have a guardian even after they have rached the age of puberty The nearest agnates of an insane persons for whom has not been appointed a guardian, will take charge of his property, or if there are none his other nearest relatives. Table VI Table VI If anyone makes a verbal statement or agreement about an obligation concerning his property this statement has the force of law. if he later denies this statement and legal proceedings are instituted, he shall pay twice the value of the property in question. When a slave, who is manumitted by a will under certain conditions, complies to these conditions he shall be free. The slave who, pays his price to the purchaser and claims his freedom, shall be free. Sold property will not be acquired by the purchaser until he payed the agreed price or otherwise satisfies the vendor, even if the property already in his possession. After a period of two years, immovable property shall be acquired by usucaption; movable property after a lapse of one year. When a woman lives with a man for a year, without being legally married, will pass into his power as his legal wife by usucaption, unless this period has been interrupted for at least three nights. In a dispute before the judge both pasties are entitled to state their claims in the presence of a witness. If someone wishes to manumit a slave under the condition of servitude, the judge will rule in favour of the freedom. It is not allowed to remove anything, that form a material part of it, from a building or vineyard. He who attaches a beam or anything else to a building or vineyard, shall be fined to pay double it's value. Materials ready for building, but not yet attached to a building,that are removed, can be recovered like they were stolen. A husband cannot divorce from his wife without giving a reason.After a period of two years, Immovable property shall acquired by usucaption; movable property after a lapse of one year. When a woman lives with a man for a year, without being legally married, will pass into his power as his legal wife by usucaption, unless this period has been interrupted for at least three nights. In a dispute before the judge both pasties are entitled to state their claims in the presence of a witness. If someone wishes to manumit a slave under the condition of servitude, the judge will rule in favour of the freedom. It is not allowed to remove anything, that form a material part of it, from a building or vineyard. He who attaches a beam or anything else to a building or vineyard, shall be fined to pay double it's value. Materials ready for building, but not yet attached to a building,that are removed, can be recovered like they were stolen. A husband cannot divorce from his wife without giving a reason.Sold property will not be acquired by the purchaser until he payed the agreed price or otherwise satisfied the vendor, even if the property already in his possession. Table VII Table VII If an animal causes damage to anyone, the owner of the animal is obliged to pay the damage. If he refuses, the injure party is entitles to take the animal that caused the injury. He who causes unlawful damage is obliged to compensate the loss, either by repairing the damage or by payment. When grain or crops are prevented from growing by means incantation or magic, the perpetrator shall be sacrificed to Ceres. He who steals by night the crop of some else will be sacrificed to Ceres and hung. If he has not reached the age of puberty shall be scourged and must pay twice the amount of the loss. Cattle that is pastured on the land of another, shall be surrendered as compensation. Anyone who purposely sets fire to a house or a heap of grain near the house, will be scourged and put to death by fire. If it happened by accident he will compensate the damage. If he can't compensate, he shall receive a lighter punishment. He who causes injury which is not serious shall be fined to pay 20 asses. He who writes insulting poems or abuses another publicly in loud voice, shall be beaten to death with a rod. Anyone who breaks a member of another and is unwilling to compensate and satisfy the other, shall be punished by retaliation. Knocking out a tooth shall be fined with 300 asses for the tooth a free men and 150 for the tooth of a slave. When anyone, after being asked, has witnessed a sale, the execution of a will and afterwards refuses to give evidence about the genuineness of the transaction, can testify afterwards and will become infamous. Giving a false testimony, shall be punished by being hurled from the Tarpeian rock. Killing a freeman on purpose is a capital crime. He who kills a freeman by accident shall publicly offer a ram as expiation and for the appeasing of the children of the murdered person. Poisoning another or rendering him ill or inactive by means of magic or diabolical arts is a capital crime and punishable by death. He who kills a ascendant will be wrapped in a cloth, sewn in a sack and thrown into the water. A guardian who is guilty of fraud in his administration shall be considered infamous. If after the guardianship ended theft is proven shall pay double the amount of the loss as compensation. He who defrauds his client shall be dedicated to the hellish gods. Table VIII Table VIII Between two building must be left a space of two feet and a half. Societies, and associations have the right to create the contracts and rules as they desire, provided they have the right to assemble and do not violate the laws. Between two adjoining field shall be left a space of 5 feet. This space can never be acquired by usucaption. In case of a dispute about the boundaries of two adjoining fields the judge will appoint three arbiters who will establish the right boundaries. If an overhanging tree causes injury by it's branches or it's shade, shall be cut of 15 feet from the ground. The owner of a fruit tree has the right to collect fallen fruit from the land of his neighbour When the rain runs from one person's land to that of another and damage his property, the judge will appoint three arbiters to make the water stays on the property and to establish compensation. A road shall be 8 feet wide except in curves where it will be 16 feet wide. The owner of a piece of land next to a highway, can fence his land off in any way he wants. If he does not animals can be driven freely over his land. Table IX Table IX No privileges will be given to any private person,if that harms other people in their use of the common laws. The laws that have been enacted for the Roman citizens are considered to have been enacted to people residing in and beyond Latium. A judge or an arbiter who accepts a bribe in a case where he is appointed shall be punished by death. Only by the vote of the Roman people can a decision about the life or liberty of a Roman citizen be rendered. The people of Rome shall appoint the public accusers. He who causes nocturnal assemblies is punishable by death. He who delivers a Roman citizen into the hands of an enemy or causes a war against Rome shall be punished by death. Table X Table X For the purpose of good faith, an oath shall have the greatest force and effect. Every member of a Roman family can make use of religious rites adopted earlier by his family. It is not allowed to burn or bury corpses in the city. In funeral ceremonies it is not allowed to make greater expenses or mournings than proper. The limits established by this law for funeral rites , shall hereafter not be exceeded. Wood for building a funeral pyre shall be rough and unpolished. No more than the women covered with mourning veils shall be admitted to perform the mourning services. The in purple robes wrapped body shall be accompanied by no more than ten flute players in the funeral procession. It is not allowed for women to damage their face or to utter load cries when bewailing the dead. After a funeral ceremony it is not allowed to take bones from de body of the deceased in order to repeat the ceremony somewhere else. Parts of a body may be transferred to his ancestors burial place, when he died in a foreign country or in a war. The corpse of a slave shall be buried without any honor: No drinking or banquet shall be held nor shall the body be anointed. No precious beverage, like wine flavoured with myrrh, shall be poured over the body or the pile. No one shall wear large wreaths at a funeral, nor shall anyone burn perfumes on the altars. Anyone who deserved a wreath during his lifetime, no matter how, has the right to have placed that wreath upon his dead body while at home and when he is carried away. It is forbidden to prepare several biers, since only one funeral at the time can take place. Except teeth fasten with gold in the mouth of the deceased all gold, no matter in what form, shall be removed from the dead body at the time of the funeral. No funeral pyre or tomb shall be erected within 60 feet of a building without the consent of the owner of that building. A tomb, it vestibule or the approach cannot be acquired by usucaption. During the obsequies of any man distinguished in the state,there shall be no assembly of the people. Table XI Table XI Affairs of great importance can only be transacted with the vote of the people. Only the people of Roma has the power to appoint magistrates, can condemn citizens and enact laws. Newly passed laws take preference over old laws. There shall be no marriage contracts between those who belong to the senatorial order (patricians) and plebeians. Table XII Table XII If anyone rendered property, to which is controversy in court, renders sacred shall pay double it value as a penalty. If a claim after a judgement was rendered proves to be false, the judge shall appoint three arbiters and the person in who's favour the judgement was rendered shall pay double the amount as compensation. A theft committed or cause damage by a slave , with the knowledge of his master, will be compensated with the transfer of that slave to the other party.

Trials

Any senator may bring charges against another senator. Presiding magistrates cannot be tried until their term has expired. Magistrates may, however, be removed from office by a 3/5 vote of the senate. The Praetors shall rule on whether or not a case may proceed to trial based on the evidence presented by the prosecution. Non-citizens may not bring cases against citizens. A defendant in a trial may appoint an advocate to speak in his defense. The prosecuting party must appoint a Roman citizen to present evidence. Crimes against the Republic shall include: Jus Civile These laws concern interpersonal relations Abusing authority for personal gain while holding imperium Theft Arson Blackmail Maiming a Roman Citizen Killing a non-citizen Jus Publicum These laws concern the relationship between the state and an individual. Offenses in this category may be judged by the entire senate instead of the college of Praetors Treason Extortion (exceeding 8,000 denarii) Conspiracy Murder of a Roman Citizen Sentencing and Punishment A defendant shall either be found GUILTY, NOT GUILTY, or the case thrown out for lack of evidence. If found guilty the defendant will face a penalty equal to the severity of the offense. Penalties shall include: The Death Penalty Beheading (Percussio Securi) Strangling in prison (Strangulatio) Throwing a criminal from the Tarpeian rock (dejectio e rupe Tarpeia)

Titles and Constitutional Terms

Pro-Praetor: "Acting as a Praetor" Pro-Consular: "Acting as a Consul" Imperium: Authority to command Fasces: An axe bundled in rods, signifying Imperium Lictors: Those who carry the fasces and act as a bodyguard of sorts Tribunician powers: Vested with the powers and characteristics of a tribune Princeps: First citizen Legatus: A subordinate military command Senatus Consultum Ultimum: "Final decree of the Senate" Leges: Laws Patron: A benefactor who answers to the request of his clients. Clients and patrons, respectively, owe one another loyalty and a duty to serve on another. A patron is the superior member of the relationship and clients subordinate. Titles/Accolades Adopted heirs of any senator may add the name of that Senator to their own and inherit half of that Senator's popularity with the plebeians, legions, or patricians. Titles shall be granted by the senate to those who distinguish themselves and are as follows but not limited to: Ovation: The ovation (Latin: ovatio) was a lower form of the Roman triumph. Ovations were granted, when war was not declared between enemies on the level of states, when an enemy was considered basely inferior (slaves, pirates) or when the general conflict was resolved with little to no bloodshed or danger to the army itself. (+2.5 gravitas) Triumph: The Roman triumph (triumphus) was a civil ceremony and religious rite of ancient Rome, held to publicly celebrate and sanctify the military achievement of an army commander who had won great military successes, or originally and traditionally, one who had successfully completed a foreign war. In Republican tradition, only the Senate could grant a triumph. The origins and development of this honour were obscure: Roman historians placed the first triumph in the mythical past. (+5 gravitas) Princeps Senatus: (plural principes senatus) was the first member by precedence of the Roman Senate. Although officially out of the cursus honorum and owning no imperium, this title brought enormous prestige to the senator holding it. (+2 gravitas) Augustus- A title granted to a senator with almost dictatorial status. This senator must display advanced military aptitude, be beloved of the People, and be a shining beacon of Roman virtues. (+15 gravitas) Magnus- "The Great" Awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves in any but especially military functions (+5 gravitas) Pontifex Maximus- A title granted to a reasonably influential man who shall be charged with performing all the necessary rites in accordance to Roman religious law. Only one may be named. The title lasts for life or until given up. (+2 gravitas) Victor - A title granted to successful generals (+2 gravitas) Adsentior - A title granted to a particularly gifted Diplomat (+2 gravitas) Poplicola - "Friend of the People", granted by the tribunes (+5 populist points)

Roman Relations

An incorporated area may have any of the following distinctions based on Roman control of their region, ranked from most privileged to least: Full Roman Citizenship (Colonia): Entitles the peoples/ruler to full Roman citizenship and all the rights thereof. It increases their influence in Roman politics and policy by gaining the right to vote. Socii: Independent but allied to Rome. They are required to send a specific amount of troops to Rome's wars. Likewise, Rome is obligated to defend them against attack. Coloniae Colonies may be created when public land becomes accessible from conquered areas. Colonies of the following may be created: Coloniae Civum Romanorum: Colonies composed only of full Roman citizens.

Roman/Latin Terms

Terms Abrogatio: Repeal of a previously established law. Agraria: A standard term applied to laws dealing with public land and/or its distribution (generally to plebes). Ambitu: A standard term applied to laws dealing with bribery. Civitate, Civilibus, Civium: Standard terms applied to laws dealing with citizenship. Comitia: An assembly. The Centuriata (Centuriate Assembly) was made up of the entire citizen body divided by social class and voting power was weighted heavily towards the wealthy. The Concilium Plebis or Comitia Plebis Tributa (Plebeian Assembly) constituted the plebeian citizen class but only pass laws concerning the plebeians. The Comitia Populu Tributa (Assembly of the People) was made up of all the citizens divided in their tribes, it could pass laws and was used in elections. Comitia (Lex): A law passed in the assembly, a plebiscite if in the Concilium Plebis Contra Auspicia: Literally, counter to the auspices or religious omens. This was a legal action applied in order to prevent the proposition of potentially incendiary proposals or legislation. Conubium: Marriage. Curule Magistrate: A magistrate with imperium (Aedile, Praetor, Consul) or the authority over the citizenship to enforce the law. Decemviri Legibus Scribendis: Literally the commission of ten to write laws, they published the Duodecim Tabularum (twelve tables). Decretum: A decree of the senate. Edictum: An edict of a magistrate. Equestri: Relating to the equestrian citizen class. Exsilium: Exile. Frumentaria: A standard term applied to laws dealing with the grain dole. Intercalando: A standard term applied to laws dealing with the interjection of the intercalary month or the adjustment of the calendar. Imperium: The authority over all of the citizenship to enforce the law. Iudiciara: A standard term applied to laws dealing with the courts or judges. Iustitium: A cessation of judicial and all public business. Generally this was due to an emergency of some form, but this, like the contra auspicial, could be used as an attempt to block legislation. Latinitas or Ius Latii: The Latin rights. Allowed privileges such as inter-marriage and the right to commerce with Romans to certain communities as a stepping stone to citizenship. It did now allow for the right to vote. Leges: A collection of laws passed by the same magistrate(s) or a generic description of similar laws passed over time (ie Leges Agraria). Legis Actiones: A form of Roman trial litigation. Lex: A law. Generally laws were named for the magistrate who proposed it and what it pertained to (ie a law proposed by tribune T. Sempronius Gracchus related to the distribution of public land would be entitled Lex Sempronia Agraria). Multis, Multarum: Related to fines. Obnuntiatio: The right of curule magistrates or plebeian tribunes to announce a bad omen, thereby disbanding citizen assemblies or preventing attempted legislation. Plebis: Relating to the plebeian citizen class. Plebiscitum/Plebiscite: A law passed at the Comitia Tributa (Tribal Assembly). Privitas: A private citizen. In cases of law or constitutional circumstances this term is generally related to special circumstances where non magistrates were appointed to special commands. Provinciis: Related to the provinces. Provocatione: Laws related to provocatio, or the right of a citizen to appeal capital sentences (death or exile). Publicando: Public property. Repetundis or Repetundarum: In cases of law, it generally refers to the recovery of extorted money. Revocando: Recall from exile. Rogatio: A proposed bill or law. Any entry thus labeled as Rogatio in the chronology chart should be understood as having not been passed into law. Sacrata: A law dealing with something sacred, generally the sacrosanctitas (protection from physical harm) of the tribunes plebis. Senatus, Senatum, Senatoribus: Relating to the senate or senators. Senatus Consulta: An authorization of the Senate. A Sen. Cons. Ultimum granted authority to the magistrates or specially appointed individuals to use force in the defense of the city. Sumptuaria: Laws with the intention of regulating social behavior especially as it relates to extravagance (dress, expenditures on entertainment, etc.). Tabellaria: A standard term applied to laws associated with election and the tabulation of ballots. Triumviris: A council of 3 men. Vi or Vis: Violence.