Legal Definitions - forisfactus servus

Forisfactus servus

A forisfactus servus is a former slave who has lost their freedom because they committed a crime.

If a slave was freed but then committed a crime, they could become a forisfactus servus and lose their freedom again. This was a common punishment in ancient Rome.

For example, if a freed slave stole something, they could be punished by becoming a forisfactus servus and being sold back into slavery.

Another example is if a freed slave was caught running away, they could also become a forisfactus servus and lose their freedom.

These examples show how a forisfactus servus was a way to punish former slaves who broke the law and ensure they did not have the same rights as free citizens.