Ancient Rome

• What type of approach to law is copied by multiple and countless civilisations?

  The approach to law that is copied by multiple and countless civilisations is the Roman approach.
• How did law and order function in Ancient Rome?

  Law and order functioned in Ancient Rome:

  1. Laws defined acceptable behaviour.
  2. Order occurs when laws are followed.
• What is the relevance of "The Law of the Twelve Tables (450-451 BCE)?"

  The relevance of "The Law of the Twelve Tables" are:

  • Became the basis for Roman law.
  • Prior to this "laws" were based on customs and traditions.
  • Written and publicly displayed.
• What were the 5 key principles in The Law of the Twelve Tables?

  1. Everyone must abide by the law.
  2. The law should be publicly known.
  3. New laws should be rationally worked out from existing laws.
  4. The law must be seen to be carried out.
  5. People have the right to fair treatment under the law.
• What were some common crimes in the Roman Empire?

  Robbery, theft, slaves running away, fraud, arson, rioting, and murder.
• Who were the three groups of people in Ancient Rome that aided in Crime Control?

  1. Vigiles: Were volunteers who patrolled the streets to look for crimes being committed – they caught runaway salves, put out fires, etc.
  2. Urban Cohorts: Were soldiers tasked with keeping order, however they did not patrol the streets and functioned as a riot squared.
  3. Praetorian Guard: Were the Emperor's personal guards and outnumbered the previous two groups of crime control combined.
• How did punishments in Ancient Rome function and what were they?

  Punishments in Ancient Rome function on the basis of social status.

  • Ordinary Citizens: Minor punishments included fines and whipping. Major punishments were execution.
  • Nobles: Minor punishments were fine and major punishments were execution, but uncommon.
  • Slaves: Crucifixion, forced to fight in the games at the Colosseum, push off a cliff, and molten lead poured down their throat.
  • Legionaries: Decimation would be done which is if a soldier tried to desert his group, every 10th man in his legion would be killed.