Legal Definitions - leges centuriatae

LEGES CENTURIATAE

Leges centuriatae is a Latin term that refers to a law passed in the comitia centuriata, a Roman assembly. It is also known as lex centuriata. These laws were passed by the Roman citizens who were divided into centuries based on their wealth and social status. The majority of the centuries had to vote in favor of the law for it to be passed.

One example of a leges centuriatae is the Lex Licinia Sextia, which was passed in 367 BC. This law allowed plebeians (common people) to hold the consulship, the highest elected office in Rome. Before this law, only patricians (nobles) could hold this office.

Another example is the Lex Hortensia, passed in 287 BC. This law gave the plebeian assembly (comitia plebis) the power to pass laws that applied to all Roman citizens, regardless of their social status. Before this law, only the comitia centuriata could pass laws that applied to all citizens.

These examples illustrate how the comitia centuriata played a significant role in Roman lawmaking and how the leges centuriatae helped to shape the Roman legal system.