Maiestas Flashcards
What is maiestas according to Ulpian?
Crime against the state or city of the people
What does “maiestas minutia populi Romani” mean?
the diminished majesty of the Roman people
What happens as a result of the vague phrasing of the law?
The law covers any revolt or failure to uphold your public duty. BANISHMENT
When does it first appear? (this law)
103 BC
How is if punished in the time of Caesar?
How is it punished in the time of Tiberius?
penalty is increasingly death, confiscation of property
How is it punished in the time of Titus? (Domitian’s brother)
he swore he would not execute senators, essentially suspending maiestas (a moratorium)
How is it punished in the time of Domitian?
Paranoid that people are plotting to overthrow him so he kills 12 consuls
How did Augustus expand the use of maiestas?
He extends the power from punishing plots, mismanagement of public office
-This was to cover up adultery with his daughter and then libel and slander.
How did folks avoid the consequences of maiestas?
Suicide seems to have allowed convicted to avoid last confiscation of property and damnatio memoriae
What are delatores?
Informants. If you are suspected of treason, and you are convicted, the delator gets money.
