Legal Definitions - consecratio capitis

Consecratio capitis is a Latin term that means "consecrating the body." In Roman law, it refers to the act of declaring a wrongdoer an outlaw who could be killed on sight. It was a way of punishing criminal behavior by relegating an offender to the gods, leaving the person outside divine and human protection. This meant that anyone could kill the outlaw without fear of punishment.

One example of consecratio capitis is the punishment of the Roman senator Publius Clodius Pulcher. He was accused of sacrilege and was declared an outlaw by the Roman Senate. As a result, he was killed by a rival politician.

Another example is the punishment of the Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus. He was defeated in battle by the Parthians and was killed by them. His head was then taken to the Parthian king, who poured molten gold into his mouth as a symbol of his defeat.

These examples illustrate how consecratio capitis was used in Roman law to punish wrongdoers. By declaring someone an outlaw, they were stripped of their legal protections and left at the mercy of anyone who wanted to kill them. This was a harsh punishment that was reserved for serious crimes, such as sacrilege or treason.