Legal Definitions - civis

Definition: A Roman citizen who is entitled to the public and private rights associated with Roman citizenship. Female citizens had only private rights.

Example: Julius Caesar was a civis because he was a Roman citizen and had the right to vote and hold public office.

Explanation: In ancient Rome, being a civis was a highly valued status. It meant that a person had certain rights and privileges, such as the right to vote and hold public office. However, these rights were only available to male citizens. Female citizens had limited rights and were not allowed to participate in public life.

Related Terms: civis Romanus, civis Romana, civitas, civitatis amissio, C.J., corpus juris