Römisches Staatsrecht

Abstract

Theodor Mommsen's influential multi-volume work, first published between 1871 and 1888, is a systematic treatment of the intricate workings of the Roman state. The renowned German scholar proposed an original and sometimes controversial understanding of Roman institutions, based around the categories of nineteenth-century constitutional law. The Romans themselves never actually codified their complicated body of law, but by applying a historical approach to describe the development of Roman law Mommsen succeeds in making it more accessible to the reader. He systematises the many diverse legal elements upon which the Roman constitution was based and offers a coherent reading of it. In Volume 1 Mommsen focuses on the system of local government and describes in detail how it functioned. He explains the protection offered by the Pontifex maximus and the authority held by the civil and criminal courts, as well as the civil rights given to each community.

Monuments and Memory: The Aedes Castoris in the Formation of Augustan Ideology

“…68 In the Augustan revival of this ceremony the partici-180 pating equites were divided into six turmae, which were probably an allusion to the original six centuries. 69 This ceremony, and thus the temple, had close associations with the equestrian order whose patron deities were Castor and Pollux. 70 In the late Republic, the equestrian order became increasingly politicized, first by C. Gracchus who in his tribunate succeeded in identifying issues of particular importance to the equestrian order and thereby separating its interests from those of the Senate.…”

ICSID Arbitration and the Importance of Public Accountability of a Private Judicature – A Roman Law Perspective

“…178 In the early years of the Republic, only patricians of Senatorial rank were eligible to sit as judges. 179 Yet, with the Gracchan revolution, this requirement went by the wayside.…”

“…205 Originally, it was a military office as its Greek name, στρατηός, reveals. 206 Interestingly, it was originally accessible to the plebian order and was not reserved for those of patrician pedigree through the normal Republican election cycle. 207 Tenure in the office was theoretically set for one year, though some controversies arose over the length of tenure throughout Republican history.…”

“…207 Tenure in the office was theoretically set for one year, though some controversies arose over the length of tenure throughout Republican history. 208 Th e praetor of interest for this Essay is the praetor urbanus. 209 Between the different praetorian offices, the praetor urbanus was considered the most important.…”

“…208 Th e praetor of interest for this Essay is the praetor urbanus. 209 Between the different praetorian offices, the praetor urbanus was considered the most important. 210 Th e praetor is originally an executive officer, as his military origin clearly shows.…”